The NEW DNPS (downtown nanaimo partnership society)

[queen of the waterfront]

http://www2.canada.com/nanaimodailyn...6-1d87c5919af4

here is the Vancouver ambassador story.

[Piper]

This is an intresting story I think the outcome of this story may change things in many cities as far as ambassadors are concerned. It may also determine the outcome of the upcoming court case about busking. I realize smokey that busking has its own thread but sometimes it's hard to keep it out of other threads because of the involvement with such groups as the DNPS or the OCQA, or the NCCA. they are all major stakeholders involved in whatever happens on Nanaimo streets and the waterfront.

[Smokey©]

The scenario in Vancouver is that an association that supports the homeless are trying to prevent the ambassadors (a hired security company) from asking the homeless to move along and quit blocking the lane ways, doorways and street ways plus asking them to move along from the front of 7-11 stores where they are begging for money.

Ever since I was a young lad, I recall police officers and store owners asking those infringing on the property of a merchant to move along and they were not always nice about it.

Some people will never understand that the property in front of business even if it is a public sidewalk, a property owner or lessor of the property has a right to ensure that their entranceway and window space is free and clear of anybody or another business signs. A private security company that was hired to keep the sidewalks and entranceway's clear should have the absolute right to ask anyone to move along without repercussion.

[Happy in Downtown]

I absolutely agree, having worked downtown and having to ask people to move out of the doorway while smoking crack before customers started coming, and this was a hotel as well, so it was a bad impression that tourists were getting of the city. Businesses and owners should have a right to protect their businesses. If people have a right to be in public places panhandling, people that provide jobs and pay the taxes to support these people have a right to protect their livihood.

[Piper]

I absolutely agree, having worked downtown and having to ask people to move out of the doorway while smoking crack before customers started coming, and this was a hotel as well, so it was a bad impression that tourists were getting of the city. Businesses and owners should have a right to protect their businesses. If people have a right to be in public places panhandling, people that provide jobs and pay the taxes to support these people have a right to protect their livihood.

I think if they are panhandling which is not against the law they are supporting themselves the best way they know how. And Nanaimo is not just about tourists and what they want there are 186,000 people who live in Nanaimo. Business owners don't own the downtown area it belongs to all residents of Nanaimo. If people such as myself and my family pay taxes we to have a right to protect our livelihood.

[queen of the waterfront]

It is the job of the police to protect all of us.They are trained to do the job.

Ambassadors such as those in Vancouver and Nanaimo have very little training.

Security guards have some training but are not equipped to deal with what happens on the street.

Police have the legal power to enforce bylaws , Ambassadors and Security Guards do not.

it is interesting to remember that the DNPS got their new mandate because the business owners who owned the most property money wise, trumped those who had less valuable property.

In our society today MONEY TALKS!

i have been listening to radio talk shows lately and I am appalled by what I am hearing!
Move "THEM" along, get rid of the bums put "THEM somewhere else.

"THEY " threaten our safety and our security.

"THEY" are taking money out of "OUR" pockets.

I was a street kid, a runaway from a home where I was beaten every day. I lived on the mean streets of Vancouver when I was fourteen years old.I had nowhere to go.I survived because I was fortunate enough to be given kindness and support from a family who gave me a home. I sang with buskers on the street who gave me money and took me for a meal.

I wish every business owner could read the stories of how people get to be panhandlers , buskers or druggies. How terrified those with disability issues and mental illness must be on the street.
Do you think people choose to be homeless?

Who wants to be poor?

I was one of "THEM". THe way the world is going right now any one of the business owners could lose their shirt tomorrow and become one of "THEM".
Moving unfortunate people along and pretending that "THEY dont exist is just a cover up.

USing "POWER " in the form of security guards and ambassadors puts the problem in the shadows and only cleans up the facade.

Our society is rotting and the stench is not just from the homeless and unwashed.

EVERY SINGLE STREET PERSON IS A HUMAN BEING!

Yes businesses have a right to earn a living. They also have an obligation to treat other human beings in a compassionate manner.

As Joan Baez used to say
"THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE GO YOU OR I"

[queen of the waterfront]

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver.../50489912.html

This is a great letter!

[Happy in Downtown]

I understand that there are unfortunate circumstances that lead people to be homeless and drug dependant, but business owners and homeownes also have the right to protect their property and businesses.

I agree that panhandling should be allowed on public property, but not outside banks, restaurants, and other businesses. I'm sure I'm not the only one who doesn't like being asked for money outside the bank.

We need to look to the government to provide addictions services, housing, mental health facilities, and other venues for the homeless. I'm also not saying that all homeless people are drug addicted or have mental health issues. There are also people who want that type of life-style.

The ambassadors are hard working people. They do the job that they are hired to do. Much like parking ticketers, by-law officers, they are just trying to make a living. There are also reports of harassment of a few ambassadors by some downtown business owners and managers. They are there to do a job, leave them alone. It's or city council, or the court system to decide if they are not needed.

[Piper]

Here is some things about panhandling that are intresting,

http://www.povnet.org/node/1129

http://www.povnet.org/issues/panhandling

http://www.streetnewsservice.org/ind...&articleID=542

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-col...nhandlers.html

[oldtimer]

I am not in favor of panhandling, or asking for monies from a person, be it on the street or on the phone, or by mail, if the laws are not equal and legal for everyone. People challenge the phone companies due to panhandling calls, they challenge the INTERNET due to panhandling webs, but they make the more pronounce calls about individuals panhandling for a living. Asking or begging are still requiring some one to divulge or hand out something. Politicians do it, charities do it, associations do it, religions do it, but if a private citizens does it everyone screams. Society lives and circulates on donations from one source or the other, and Society always demises and excludes, the ones that are asking up front straight and forward. This is only my opinion, but if it is OK to for the big guys to advertise, promote, and beg via, phone, INTERNET, television, radio, then let the little guy do it on the street.