The mayor of Nelson says opening up the community conversation about panhandling will lead to a better bylaw being created.
Deb Kozak is speaking after a number of people spoke at this week’s council meeting either in favour or against new laws regulating where and how panhandlers can operate.
Kozak likens things to when people were strongly on either side of allowing dogs on Baker Street.
Kozak says this is not about banning the practice but she maintains Nelson needs a panhandling bylaw specifically to address aggressive panhandlers because some people feel unsafe or intimidated.