Busking in Nanaimo

[Smokey©]

Obviously this situation is a lot bigger then most of us think it is.

My suggestion is find someway to get the parties (RCMP, City, Port Authority, Busker reps) together perhaps with a mediator to work out the differences so everyone can start over again.

Take along a third party to witness the meeting but remember - keep your cool.

[neecy2k]

Good idea Smokey - AND bring a tape recorder and let them know everything's going on record.

[Piper]

both of you have the right idea and I'm sure glad to see some folks who understand. It's been a long time waiting. I guess the hardest thing right now is waiting for answers and comming up with solutions I know things have to change so that one day I can write on this thread only good things about my busking experiences in Nanaimo. I will keep you posted.

[Piper]

Queen of the waterfront is having computer troubles hopefully we can get her back on Monday. I think it has to do with windows vista. I'm sure she will have some things to say.

[kickidee]

That is my internet is acting up Queen of the waterfront. It goes off and i do the little repair thing. Telus is experiencing some kind of repair or fix thing lately its been at least three weeks of going on and off.
I'm glad your long standing and very real harrassment claim is finding some support because I know what you all have been putting up with! This is the time to keep fighting Queen of the Waterfront, and not let the fear get the best of you. I know it's easy for ME to say and I understand your reluctance, but on the very good chance no one will agree to meet with the two of you, you face the worst case scenario and get thrown in jail (just be sure to use a guitar you could part with for a short time) they cant keep you long and you have to get a lawyer and legal help is whats needed here. I have holidays next week and should be happy to spend each one of those days on the waterfront as it is and I'll stick with you....me and my camera that makes little vidios if things get rough. Ill post them too.

[Piper]

It allways seems to be quiet around nanaimo when the weather interferes with busking. it's just like being a roofer you work in good weather and stay home in bad weather. If there was only busking spots that were protected from the weather then buskers could allways be out. I remember one spot that was good in all weather it was at the lions great bridge and put in place at the request of the late Paul Jackson (Fiddle player) The reason given for removing it was that the parks & Rec wanted it to be a quiet zone according to Brent Munier at the time. I think I would question his theory on this one the bands that have been at Swy-a-lana in the last few weeks have been good but very loud. I live 7 blocks from the park and can hear them very clearly. I don't think that's a quiet zone. A quiet zone is a hospital such as the area around beaufort centre where city councilor Ron Cantelon put in place a busking spot near the bus stop, accross from the hospital. Ron Cantelon is now the MLA for Nanaimo north. Maybe thats why he put a busking spot at the bus stop behind Country club mall or the other busking spot up beside the Superstore but it isn't on Superstore property that won't happen or it would be one of the best spots in town. Just a bit more about busking in Nanaimo that might get you scratching your head ????

[TH2008]

For Queen and Piper.

Smokey had mentioned the term "Pro Bono". Here is a site with people who could possible help you with your legal problems:

http://probononet.bc.ca/index.php

Have a look at the site as see what they have to offer.

Also, here is the basic contact information:

Contact Us
E-mail:

info@probononet.bc.ca

Telephone:

604-893-8932

Fax:

604-893-8934

Mail: P.O. Box 103
845 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B 4Z9


--
TH

[TH2008]

One more thing, their vision statement is:



"Vision Statement
An innovative, collaborative pro bono system advancing access to justice and serving the legal needs of people and non-profit organizations of limited means throughout British Columbia."

[Piper]

Another problem with busking in Nanaimo is performing when you have panhandlers standing close to you asking for money. They don't need a license or have coloured spots to stand on like buskers do. I had this problem last night but could do nothing about it. A lot of people are lead to believe that panhandling and busking are the same but they are 2 totaly different things the best way to differ between the 2 is to look in the dictionary you will find totaly diferent definitions of panhandlers & buskers. I remember sitting listening to a local radio show and our current mayor said a busker is a panhandler with a guitar in front of them this was about 8 years ago but I don't think he would remember. I also have a newspaper clipping from the Lethbridge herald that has George Hasen (CEO of the downtown partnership association) quoted as saying that Nanaimo has reduced the number of panhandlers since they started to issue busking licenses. Now since we are the cutural capital of Canada how did we get this title with comments like this in the air? Buskers are the performing arts. and I'm not sure about other buskers but my music is very cultural. I was born in Scotland and my heritage is very important to me especially the music of my homeland. I must also say that a lot of the panhandlers that were here when I moved here in 2001 are still here and still panhandling. Without busking licenses or rules for buskers we would have what our ellected officials call a LEVEL PLAYING FIELD wouldn't that be nice.

[Smokey©]

It would appear that panhandling laws are not being enforced properly. The fellow and girl that panhandle frequently on the Pearson (George) Bridge are breaking a number of laws yet they continue there much to the frustration of drivers. Do the city and port authority have jurisdiction over panhandlers?