The business community has raised concerns about the possible influx of panhandlers into Vancouver to escape the restrictive legislation imposed in New Westminister . It should be noted that opposition to a regulatory approach has been raised by other individuals and interest groups. Complaints are being heard from businesses and community members in areas such as Mount Pleasant and South Granville. Police in downtown Vancouver have also looked at options to deal with aggressive panhandlers. At one point a policy of arresting aggressive panhandlers under the criminal laws was explored but was found to place too much of a strain on resources.
Enforcement is clearly an issue that needs to be carefully considered in any regulatory approach.
Social Planning has been working to address many of the social issues at the root of panhandling. Recently, staff have been working with the province to introduce a sobering centre and more drug and alcohol treatment facilities. Many consulted suggested that adequate and accessible addictions treatment and mental health counselling would go a long way in helping to alleviate the problem of panhandling. Despite their efforts, new panhandlers arrive to fill the gaps while a core group of chronic panhandlers remains. Some groups such as United We Can, have developed employment programs for the poor offering a viable alternative to panhandling.