Enhancing public safety

Vaughan takes steps to prohibit nuisance loitering and deceptive panhandling tactics

By-laws are put in place to ensure a safe and orderly community for all who live, work and play in Vaughan. On June 24, 2025, Vaughan Council approved amendments to the City of Vaughan's Nuisance By-law 124-2024(PDF) to enhance public safety and security for pedestrians and motorists.

The Nuisance By-law prohibits unwanted and unsafe behaviours and activities in public places and on public property in the city. Recent amendments mean the by-law now includes:

• prohibiting nuisance loitering and solicitation, such as panhandling, and deceptive solicitation tactics, such as when individuals misrepresent their circumstances to solicit funds.
• prohibiting loitering in a roadway, including medians, and within a sight triangle.
• giving enforcement officers the ability to enforce the by-law on all municipal roads and regional roads, such as Major Mackenzie Drive, Rutherford Road, Bathurst Street, Keele Street and Dufferin Street.

As an alternative way to support vulnerable individuals, consider donating to reputable charitable organizations that are registered with a charitable number.

Any person violating the Nuisance By-law may be fined up to $100,000. To report someone violating the Nuisance By-law, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email the City's By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services team at [email protected].

These changes to the by-law come following a Member's Resolutionby Mayor Steven Del Duca on May 13, 2025, calling for staff to determine what action can be taken to discourage fraudulent panhandling in Vaughan.

For more information on the City's amendments to the Nuisance By-law, read the June 17, 2025 Staff Report (PDF) on this matter, the consolidated Nuisance By-law(PDF) or visit the City's Nuisance By-law webpage.

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