CODE OF CONDUCT NO SOLUTION

If the new Code of Conduct for downtown behaviour promised a revolutionary
approach to street-level problems in downtown Victoria, we'd be the first
to jump on board.

The trouble is, the code is far from being revolutionary. It's not even
that original. And as such, it promises to become just another empty
measure. One clause in the 16-point manifesto asks businesses and social
agencies to screen people entering their premises for illegal drugs.

Clause 10 follows a similar fashion banning patrons from "carrying alcohol
or drugs other than in areas licensed for those purposes."

These clauses will merely keep the ne'er-do-wells on the street, where they
are already seen as a problem.

Clause No. 7 states that "there shall be no tolerance for criminal
activity," as if somehow merchants and social service agencies are putting
up with crimes and vandalism.

The list goes on - there's a do not disturb clause for noise emissions, yet
most street people, no matter how seedy or inebriated, are quieter than
your average float plane.

Clause Nos. 1, 11 and 12 decree that business owners clean-up graffiti and
refuse from outside their premises, which most business owners do anyway -
if they're smart.

In addition to the obvious ones, there are a couple of line items that may
make things worse.

No. 13 encourages businesses to hire private security guards, but makes no
mention of the cost. The same can be said of a reference in No. 7 to
calling police anytime there's a problem. Anytime there's additional
enforcement, there's a bill attached. It's not fair to expect police to
pour more resources into downtown enforcement than they already do. The
Chamber of Commerce members should know better than anyone that nothing in
this world is free.

No. 14, which talks about discouraging loitering and panhandling, has the
potential to create an "us vs. them" environment downtown. Now there's a
problem. Preventing people from making a few bucks in change - let's
remember the courts have ruled against anti-panhandling bylaws - will
simply add anger to the mix. Downtown problems are too complicated to be
solved by a two-page manifesto from the business community.

The Victoria News doesn't have the solution, and neither does the Chamber
of Commerce. So maybe it's time our readers weighed in on the debate.

Send your ideas to the Victoria News, 818 Broughton Street, Victoria B.C.,
V8W 1E4.