(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Unruly Solicitors

P.A. council looking at ways to stop aggressive solicitors

Jan 28, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Unruly solicitors in Prince Albert could soon be getting a big fine every time they disrupt a business.

The city’s council met earlier this week where they discussed updating the Obstructive Solicitation Bylaw.

Currently, police can charge solicitors up to $2,000, however, they’re contemplating changing the bylaw to allow officers to charge up to $2,000 per incident in hopes of discouraging people from constantly causing trouble for certain businesses.

Councillor Blake Edwards, who asked for the bylaw to be changed, said this is just as much about educating business owners as it is deterring unwanted soliciting.

“We have a bylaw in place, and they can ban someone from their property.”

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He added this change isn’t targeted to stop homeless people from asking for help, rather those who become aggressive and threaten businesses until they get what they want.

Councillor Dennis Ogrodnick agreed these situations are unacceptable.

“Gives the business owner the right to call the police to say look, this person is causing this in front of my store or in my premises.”

Meanwhile, not everyone on P.A.’s council was on board with the change.

Councillors Charlene Miller, Tony Head, and Terra Lennox-Zepp all voted against.

“All this does is provide a $2,000 fine to people who don’t have the money to pay it,” Head added.

Each motion needs three approvals before it becomes official with the three delaying the final vote until the next council meeting in February.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow