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Winnipeg City Issues & Urban Affairs: Squeegee Kids

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    I'm sure this topic has been revisited before but I just wanted to voice my opinion as well, probably because I just had to deal with one. I had just had my car cleaned and was driving back through Osbourne Village when I hit the red light and was first in line. Normally this doesn't bother me but when I'm in my neighborhood it does because not only are you first in line for the green, you're first in line for the squeegee kids. I was approached and I held up my hands and said no, don't touch my car. The guy said relax, it's free and I told that free didn't matter to me, I just had the car cleaned. He went ahead anyway and left streaks of crap across my windshield from his dirty squeegee. Nice. Then the guy had the nerve to look at me and say, "Just cleaned? Looks like you had bird shit all over your windshield." Thankfully the light turn because I was about to get out of my car.

    I moved here from Vancouver last year and from what I understand there, it's against the law to work in traffic like that. I know that when they see the cops coming they all bail. Are there the same types of laws here. Personally I don't mind if the guy/girl asks but to just up and start spreading dirty water on someones windshield AFTER they have said no is a bit much.

    What do you think? Should laws be enacted to put a stop to the people? Do you think they actually provide a valid service or do you think they're a nuisance? Personally, I opt for the latter but that's just me...and grumpy bastard sometimes.

    Cheers,

    Scott
  2.  
    Moderator
    It has come up before but nice to revisit it again and in a brand new thread.

    I normally shake my head 'no' when they come at me and they pass on by - as long as they do that I am fine with it. Is it me or have squeegee kids become a lot older - not young folk anymore from what i can see. The law is, I bellieve, that they cannot hinder traffic - ie they must clear the intersection by the time the light turns green. Aside from that sort of thing I am not sure what more can be done. Most cities have them and I can't really say I'd put it in my top 50 list of things I want the cops to be spending time on.
    • CommentAuthorEastSider
    • CommentTimeApr 20th 2008
     
    Could the squee gee kids not be charged under some form of a public nuisance law?
    Otherwise I agree, if its not over the top and out of control let police resources be spent elsewhere.
    • CommentAuthoralex
    • CommentTimeApr 20th 2008 edited
     
    There is a guy on Sherbrook who seems to make the windshield worse. He's clearly not using wiper fluid or anything resembling a cleaning product.

    Posted By: wanderglobeWhat do you think? Should laws be enacted to put a stop to the people? Do you think they actually provide a valid service or do you think they're a nuisance? Personally, I opt for the latter but that's just me...and grumpy bastard sometimes.


    I hear your frustration and I've been in a car when someone has done the same thing. But that's not squeegeeing in the true form, that's straight out harassment. A friend of mine told me a story where a guy put his hand in front of his face and asked for money; he flipped out (rightfully so) because the guy had invaded his personal space. He didn't get out of the car though for the same reason; the traffic light went green.

    If anything, traffic lights are apparently a great place to harass drivers. I'm not saying it's okay, but to start messing with your windshield *especially after you stated "no"* is not squeegeeing, that's just being a jerk. Just as offensive if you had said 'can I spit on you' and did so after they said 'no'. Same difference almost.
  5.  
    Moderator
    Oh, yeah about making it worse. Originally the "kids" had buckets of wter etc and actually cleaned the windows. A llot of these guys now seem to swipe a squeegee form a service station and just assume they'll go and wipe it one someones window for money. At least attempt at offering the squeegeeing service
  6.  
    Wanderglobe- you have to be really careful calling yourself grumpy bastard, because you might get grumpy old man, mad at you, and then you will find yourself back in B.C. with dirty windows and no future!

    As far as I am concerned, let all the squeegee kids do whatever they want regarding cleaning windows. He should have backed off and gone to the next car. It isn't worth getting upset about.
    In most cases it is someone trying to make a few bucks, without panhandling.

    I hate our stupid laws trying to keep them off the streets. Reminds me of many years ago when they passed a law regarding skateboarding on streets , preventing kids from having fun. If the city had, had the sidewalks in a passable condition, the kids would have used the sidewalks. Seems to me the law prevented them from using the sidewalks as well.
    Old farts passing useless laws, because the old farts couldn't remember what it was like to be young, even though it was to make sure the kids were safe.
    • CommentAuthoralex
    • CommentTimeApr 20th 2008
     
    One thing I will say, I far more respect a busker or a squeegee-er than someone just holding out their hand for money.
    Thankful People: Starblubber, Zwikster
  8.  
    Moderator
    If someone would offer a glasses cleaning service for those that walk - I just might take them up on that one !
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      CommentAuthorGoth_chic
    • CommentTimeApr 20th 2008
     
    Posted By: alexOne thing I will say, I far more respect a busker or a squeegee-er than someone just holding out their hand for money.


    I agree. I always give money to buskers. At least they are doing something....

    Yesterday I was driving down Regent and there was a guy standing there holding a sign that said: unemployed, would rather beg then starve. I didn't give him any money. There are quite a few jobs out there, no reason for him to be standing there with a sign, begging.
    • CommentAuthorEastSider
    • CommentTimeApr 20th 2008
     
    Buskers get my pocket change too, especially if they play my request! Years ago my brothers and I spent a day wandering around on the southside of Chicago, it seemed on almost every corner there were shoeshine guys, and they were all keeping busy and seemed to be polite about it considering the neighborhood we were in. People like that and buskers get my vote!
    Thankful People: hbob, Zwikster
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      CommentAuthorsswain
    • CommentTimeApr 20th 2008
     
    A couple of years ago, one of the squeegie kids broke off my windshield wiper. It was already kind of loose, so I didn't really care too much, but the look on his face was priceless. Ha! That look made it worth it.

    It seems that last year they would always ask before messing with your wind shield. I liked this because if I really didn't have any change, I'd tell them so. Already this year I had some chick squeegie dirty water across my windshield before I could say no. At the end I just told her, sorry I don't have any change. Kind of annoying, but whatever, I'm not going to stress about it.
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    I love the idea of a glasses cleaning service! Can you imagine trying to wrestle the glasses off some 75 year old baba? That should be hilarious. Make sure they aren't carrying a cane!
    Thankful People: conceitedjerk
  13.  
    Oh, man! I would LOVE to see that!
  14.  
    Posted By: Goth_chic
    Yesterday I was driving down Regent and there was a guy standing there holding a sign that said: unemployed, would rather beg then starve. I didn't give him any money.


    I've seen him more than once at Lag and Reenders (near Rona) a couple of months ago. Same cardboard sign.

    Begging IS a full time job for him.
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      CommentAuthorSputnik
    • CommentTimeApr 21st 2008
     
    Winnipeg has enough social services that prevent people from starving.

    My wife and I have volunteered at the Mustard Seed here in Calgary and the homeless eat quite well on a daily basis.
  16.  
    Thanks for all the input. I'm was a bit upset yesterday when I posted and I agree with most posts. I don't mind if they ask but the shitty attitude from the guy combined with him going ahead and messing up my windshield after I had told him no was not acceptable. I don't mind the guys that walk between the cars, point at you and wait for a nod.

    As far as buskers go, I have nothing against them whatsoever. I know a lot of musicians who will do it for practice or pleasure or to maybe hawk their latest CD's. I've seen some great talent down at Granville Island in Van and I've already heard some great musicians here out at the forks.

    "Old farts passing useless laws, because the old farts couldn't remember what it was like to be young, even though it was to make sure the kids were safe."

    I hear you but skateboarding and harassing drivers are two completely different things. The laws passed in Vancouver were passed under the guise of safety but were mainly there to stop squeegee kids from harassing drivers. One of these days I'd like to put on a shirt and tie, grab a bucket and a squeegee and hit one of the more common traffic areas before these squeegee kids/adults do and squeegee for charity. Anyone else in? :)
    • CommentAuthorhbob
    • CommentTimeApr 21st 2008
     
    Sounds like the squeegee action has degenerated from a few years ago when it was last discussed here. At that time, i was in the minority in that i found their actions for the most part to not be any real service at all, but i was also basing my opinion on the more-aggressive squeegeers (sp?) in Vancouver. It was more a form of harassment with a stolen blade and a bit of dirty water, especially when you consider that all vehicles today have windshield washers. I haven't noticed them lately, now just guys begging at major intersections, mostly on the way out of the city. The last thing i posted was about an asian woman who politely told the guy not to do her window. He spit in her face! The young woman crossed the intersection when green, pulled over and called 911. The cops showed up immediately and charged him with assault. It might be a coincidence but i don't recollect hearing much or seeing squeegeers after that, but i'm not downtown during the day.

    I usually give to buskers unless they're truly wretched, and i'd certainly pay a shoeshine guy if i wasn't wearing sneakers, though i've never seen one on the street except in the U.S.
    • CommentAuthoranonymous
    • CommentTimeApr 21st 2008
     
    I haven't noticed any squeegee kids in Edmonton and Calgary, and only a couple in Winnipeg in select areas.
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      CommentAuthorStBPegger
    • CommentTimeApr 21st 2008
     
    heh, all the more reason to ride a bike! ...so you don't have to deal with squeegee kids.

    "unemployed, would rather beg then starve"
    I've seen the same guy, and to me his sign just doesn't make sense. To me it makes more sense that "unemployed, am looking around to get a job" as unemployement doesn't automatically lead to starvation. It a day where jobs are few maybe, but when you can see a dozen help wanted ads within a power centre, try again.
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      CommentAuthorSputnik
    • CommentTimeApr 21st 2008
     
    Calgary had a number of squeegee kids a few years ago working on the corner of 17th Ave SW and 14th St SW.

    Haven't seen any in at least 3 years now.

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