Begging for change: More panhandlers on Calgary streets?

CALGARY – It seems like an increasingly common occurrence in Alberta’s largest city – panhandlers with signs or squeegees going vehicle-to-vehicle at red lights, begging for change.

The combined effect of a warmer winter and an economic downturn appears to be drawing people in difficult situations to Calgary’s streets.

“This is just after work s**t,” one man said, diligently washing windows along Macleod Trail and Glenmore Trail.

The 32-year-old, who goes by the name “Squeegee,” said he’s a roofer by day and works the afternoon rush hour washing windows for spare change every evening.

“I just do my thing, pay my bills and yeah, that’s it,” Squeegee said.

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Across the city, David Levuc walks through stopped traffic at 16 Avenue and Centre Street North, with a sign that reads ‘HOMELESS AND SOBER. ANYTHING HELPS. THANK YOU!! GOD BLESS!’

The 29-year-old said he suffered a brain injury a few years ago when he fell down some stairs.

“I got addicted to painkillers and ended up in the streets,” Levuc said. “I went to rehab and now I’m trying to start at zero.”

City bylaw does prohibit panhandling in Calgary, but ticket numbers don’t reflect what Calgarians say they’re seeing out their car doors.

“It’s everywhere. It’s everywhere. It’s not just downtown because I’m a courier and I drive all over town,” courier Lisa Wozniak said. “There’s definitely an increase. I don’t know what’s going on but there’s definitely a lot more of it.”

“They just don’t want to take no for an answer and just keep getting in front of you. Even if you don’t have cash on you – they want something from you,” Calgary driver Mike Hardinment said.

So far this year, Bylaw Services has handed out just 20 tickets for panhandling. That compares to 26 tickets during the same time last year. City officials suggests their Partner Agency Liaison program may be a reason behind the reduction. The program links panhandlers with social services and options for income support.

“The City of Calgary is about education first and support first and then enforcement,” Dustin Rogers, with the City’s Community Standards department, said.

Both Squeegee and Levuc said they’ve paid the price.

“Usually they will take my sign and give me a ticket – a $50 ticket,” Levuc said. “It’s kind of a vicious cycle because if you don’t pay your ticket, you get a warrant and then you can even end up in jail for not paying your ticket.”

“The longest I did was a month, for this,” Squeegee said.

For some, it’s worth the risk. And while there’s hope for change, many say they’re grateful for a smile.

“The only thing I’ve got is panhandling,” Levuc said. “If you can give, it’s okay. Even if you just say hi, it’s good enough for me.”