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Giant Tiger in La Ronge is being used as a place for homeless to gather. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
public safety

Aggressive panhandling has Giant Tiger manager concerned for customers

Jun 27, 2019 | 4:50 PM

Aggressive panhandling outside Giant Tiger in La Ronge has management concerned about the likelihood of someone getting hurt.

That’s what Manager Dennis Caplett told La Ronge council at a regular meeting Wednesday where he asked for help dealing with the situation. Since the weather has gotten warmer, he stated the homeless population has risen substantially and there are more of them loitering outside the store.

“I have been the store manager since it opened here and this has probably been the most aggressive I have ever seen,” Caplett said. “We had a situation where we had a couple of them go after a lady and her son in our parking lot. The RCMP were called, but it’s coming to a point where it’s starting to be hurtful to our business.”

Caplett noted management from head office is also concerned about the situation and is considering hiring security guards for the store. He added, however, that’s not an ideal solution because it makes customers feel uncomfortable and more likely to shop at another business. The company will continue to research that option.

When Giant Tiger closes at night, Caplett mentioned the homeless population tends to congregate in the parking lot. He stated that also poses a risk to staff and, after the store is closed, he ensures everyone leaves as a group for their own safety.

“We are one of the larger employers in town and we want to continue to do that, but when it starts impacting our business and the safety and well-being of the people who attend our store, it’s an issue,” Caplett said. “As a community, we are really trying hard to attract new businesses to come here. It would be awesome to see some of those, but if this is the vision we are showing them for the downtown area, it’s going to be really hard to attract those businesses to come here.”

Several councillors thanked Caplett from bringing the issue forward and stated they have been working on a solution. One of which includes hiring three additional police officers with municipal funds at the cost of $129,000 each. By hiring RCMP officers, they would have to commit 70 per cent of their on-duty time to whatever council tasks them to do. Council has been discussing this option for more than a year and it could take up to a year for RCMP members to be hired once a contract is signed.

Councillors also expressed hope the Community Alcohol Management Plan will be effective at solving some of the social issues as well.

“We’re looking at getting a few members and between that and the alcohol strategy, hopefully some of that will help,” Coun. Matthew Klassen said. “We’re also planning in Patterson Park right now … hoping the more beautiful we make it down there, and the more families who are using it, then hopefully the less undesirable client aren’t occupying that space as much.”

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno