CBC: Study pans Ontario Safe Streets Act

Study pans Ontario Safe Streets Act WebPosted Oct 7 2004 12:15 PM PDT

VANCOUVER - A report done in Ontario shows that province's Safe Streets Act – similar to a law pending in B.C. – has resulted in tougher times for panhandlers and squeegee kids in Toronto. The study by Guelph University professor Bill O'Grady shows that the legislation has almost eliminated squeegee kids from the streets of downtown Toronto. LINK: O'Grady's study of the effects of Ontario Safe Streets Act He says the law, which took effect more than four years ago, cost the young people money that usually went to pay for housing. "So their housing became worse, and there was also more of them living on the streets, either in squats, bus shelters, ravines, you know, living out in the open." O'Grady says that resulted in some turning to crime – and many more turning to begging. He does say the legislation was successful at doing one thing – making poverty far less visible by almost eliminating squeegee kids from downtown Toronto. "It's a very short-term solution. Many of the kids that we spoke with, or people that are homeless in general, say as far as politicians are concerned and much of the public, if it's out of sight, it's out of mind." FROM MAY 7, 2004: MLA calls for ban on squeegee kids FROM SEPT. 24, 2004: Premier promises more money for municipalities The B.C. Liberal government has announced it plans to pass MLA Lorne Mayencourt's proposed Safe Streets Act later this fall.