Loitering on sidewalks could fetch $100 fine

Life on the streets and sidewalks of downtown Penticton is about to get more uncomfortable for some people.

A suite of changes granted tentative approval Tuesday by council will give police and bylaw officers enhanced powers to crack down on loitering on sidewalks in some high-profile areas. Those caught in violation could be fined $100.

Coun. Jake Kimberly said it’s “unfortunate” the city has to resort to such a measure, but loitering “interferes with the residents who pay for those sidewalks, it interferes with businesses that pay taxes to operate those stores.”

“There’s been significant pressure on our council for a long time … that has been asking for the good of the whole that our downtown area could be more welcome,” added Coun. Judy Sentes in support of the changes.

However, Coun. Campbell Watt expressed concern about how the bylaw amendment might affect those who are downtown to watch a parade, for example, and said he’s “not very comfortable” pushing people out while not giving them a place to go.

Coun. Julius Bloomfield agreed with that sentiment. “I don’t think we’ll be doing anything except pushing them around the city and upsetting a bunch of other people,” he said.

Bloomfield also argued the change only targets the “symptom” of a lack of affordable housing and ought to be put out for public comment. “I know there’s a lot of support, but I know there’s a lot of concern as well,” said Bloomfield.

The amendment to the Good Neighbour Bylaw, which was approved by a 5-2 vote with Bloomfield and Watt opposed, makes it an offence to sit or lie on sidewalks on the 100 through 300 blocks of Ellis Street, 200 through 400 blocks of Martin Street, and the 100 through 700 blocks of Main Street.

The bylaw already places limits on panhandling, so the changes, which will be in effect only May 1 through Sept. 30, are aimed at those who are sleeping, loitering or causing a nuisance in those designated areas, which make up about 17 per cent of the total sidewalk length downtown.

Bylaw services supervisor Tina Siebert told council the approach is meant to be minimally restrictive, and her staff tries to “balance the heart with the hammer” in its dealings with people.

The three streets selected for the loitering ban were chosen because they’ve either been revitalized or are up-and-coming areas.