Panhandlers -- fined money they don't have?

Does this seem ridiculous to anyone other than me?

We're talking people who are homeless (for the most part), can't afford to eat, but we're going to fine them $200 to make them STOP panhandling? We need better social supports to deal with this, not trying to get money from people who clearly don't have it.

What are you going to do if they can't pay the fine? Take them to court? Jail them? That might work out in their favour.

Let's not be ridiculous, Edmonton.