Panhandlers begging for change at busy intersections appear to be following a "business model preying on the generosity of Burlington," according to a city councillor.

Lisa Kearns, who represents Ward 2, said community members are concerned because the panhandlers seem to operate in an "almost shift-like" pattern that includes rides to and from the spots where they ask for money and rotating roadside locations.

"It is disheartening that individuals may organize and create what's known as a racket or organized begging," she wrote in an email to CBC.

She adds her observation is supported by panhandlers' "ongoing refusal" of social services and community outreach.

The city has been dealing with a spike in panhandling over the past year or so, according to Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who said people are working the medians at some of Burlington's busiest intersections.

City considered tickets for generous drivers

Begging has become such a problem the mayor said ticketing the people giving money to those in need was even pitched as a possible solution.

However, a media release from the city states a proposed amendment for staff to report back to the Planning and Development Committee by the end of the year about the possibility of creating a by-law that would target drivers handing over money was voted down.

Instead, the committee approved a strategy that will see staff work with the Halton Poverty Roundtable on a communication plan about poverty.

The city will also update its website to provide information about how residents can help those in need, including through donations and continue to work with regional police to monitor panhandling, among other steps aimed at awareness and education.

City council is expected to discuss the communications plan during its meeting Monday.

Despite the prevalence of panhandlers, the city has very limited legal tools to deal with issues because it's not illegal to ask for money on the street in Canada, explained the mayor.

Still, Meed Ward said she asked staff to work with police to see if there's anything they can do, including talking with drivers and explaining why what they're doing could be dangerous, though she noted it would be up to investigators to decide if what they saw warranted a ticket or a warning.

"This to me is a form of distracted driving. It puts everybody at risk, including the person asking for money," she said. "This is an accident waiting to happen."

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said her focus is on safety and education, not harming those who are in need. (Marianne Meed Ward/Facebook)

The mayor was quick to point out her focus is on education and safety, not "going after or beating up on folks in need."

Meed Ward said police have told her panhandlers can collect as much as $100-$200 in just a few hours.

On one hand the mayor said she sees that as proof of how generous Burlington can be, but on the other hand it's still a safety for both drivers and those asking for money.

She also pointed out that Burlington is home to charities and organizations dedicated to helping those in need that could stretch the dollars being handed out on street corners even further if they were donated instead.

As for the people who rely on panhandling to pay for food and shelter, Meed Ward said their input should be also be considered when searching for a solution.

"If we're not doing enough we need to know about that," she said. "We have to look at that and ... make sure nobody in our community feels the need to stand in an intersection to put food on the plate and a roof over their head."