quote:

Originally posted by Joolz:
That's kind of giving it a bad rap. It's typical of any other inner city area in any city on earth -- there are all sorts and it's great for people watching. I've been numerous times and my friend's office is right in Gastown and they have never had a problem with anyone.

I didn't say there was anything bad about Gastown, never had any problems there. I think it is great for people watching. I just said to go with an open mind because there are alot of "interesting" people who congregate there. The times I was at my Uncles in West Van. , saw mostly not so interesting people, like me.

I spent several days in Vancouver last year at the end of my tour and had a wonderful time, but the problem with Gastown (and most of that end of the city) was the Panhandlers (as they are called).
Now I have seen a lot of this world but I personally had never seen anything like the numbers of these people before. You are approached by 6-8 people per city block (from respectable-looking to filthy dirty and drunk) and some are argumentative and quite aggressive. I was actually chased by one (female) and I went into a jewellers for protection. One of the staff beckoned a security guard and he went outside and cleared the way for me to leave. I later spoke to a couple of police officers who were patrolling the street and they claim that most of these folk come to Vancouver from elsewhere in Canada for the Summer every year, and that they wished tourists wouldn't give them handouts as it just keeps them coming. I was told that they have a free bus running every morning for people who want to do a days vegetable picking etc but these people won't go as they make more money begging from tourists.

Whatever the truth, this does unfortunately somewhat ruin the enjoyment of Gastown and that end of Robson Street etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Colleen Anne2:
I spent several days in Vancouver last year at the end of my tour and had a wonderful time, but the problem with Gastown (and most of that end of the city) was the Panhandlers (as they are called).....

This BB is great. There was nothing about beggars or derros or anything like that on the <Gastown Vancouver> results from Google I looked at. And I've finally looked up the meaning of "panhandler". I had thought it was someone from a geographic location in the USA! Learning all the time.

Were you by yourself, Colleen Anne? it must have been exceedingly unpleasant.

Mallee ~ I have spent as much time in Vancouver as Colleen and I have to say I never struck this problem as a problem. I was approached by one person asking for money outside a hotel in Burrard Street, when I said no, he said to my surprise "have a nice day"

I did see a lot of homeless people sleeping on the steps of churches with their shopping trolleys strapped to their ankles full of their possessions.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Missie,

quote:

Originally posted by Missie:
Mallee ~ I have spent as much time in Vancouver as Colleen and I have to say I never struck this problem as a problem. ...I did see a lot of homeless people sleeping on the steps of churches, with their shopping trolleys full of theri possessions strapped to their ankles.

Perhaps it's a seasonal thing, Missie. Were you there in the tourist high season?

quote:

Originally posted by Mallee:

quote:

Originally posted by Missie:
Mallee ~ I have spent as much time in Vancouver as Colleen and I have to say I never struck this problem as a problem. ...I did see a lot of homeless people sleeping on the steps of churches, with their shopping trolleys full of theri possessions strapped to their ankles.

Perhaps it's a seasonal thing, Missie. Were you there in the tourist high season?

Exactly the same time as Colleen May/June.

I would say typically the aggressive ones are an exception rather than the rule. For the most part, if you just say 'sorry, no', they will go on about their business. It's like any other inner city place where there are panhandlers / vagrants / homeless / beggars (whatever they are called). Even in Europe / South America, etc., they have people begging for money. As for ' have a nice day', I guess since we Canadians are known for politeness, that includes panhandlers! I get tons of 'have a good day', 'bless you', etc. even tho I always say 'sorry, no'. It does perpetuate the problem when people give to the panhandlers rather than giving to agencies (which is another long thread on this BB). Only very occassionally will I purchase then an item of food or beverage -- usually in the dead of winter up here at -30.

Notice how many locals have a cell phone to their ear when the panhandlers are out in force. Usually it works and the panhandlers then don't bother the locals thinking they are on the phone. Every city has their not so nice areas, and you just have to be careful. I will admit as a local I tend to avoid Gastown.

quote:

Originally posted by Mallee:
And I've finally looked up the meaning of "panhandler". I had thought it was someone from a geographic location in the USA! Learning all the time.

Logical thinking Mallee; Several states have "panhandles". Oklahoma and Texas come to mind. I doubt though they would use the term panhandlers to describe themselves.

quote:

Were you by yourself, Colleen Anne? it must have been exceedingly unpleasant.

Mallee,

That first day when I was chased (the woman obviously had mental problems as well as being homeless) I was on my own, but the other three days were spent in the company of my friend Janice who flew down from Edmonton. Janice took all this in her stride far better than I did.

Having said all that, don't miss Gastown - it's lovely. There are hanging baskets full of flowers everywhere, very nice galleries and some good shopping - just be aware that you are in all likelihood going to be hastled (and not just in Gastown).