Managing Graffiti

Graffiti can quickly transform a neighbourhood by making it seem unsafe, because graffiti is often associated with other crimes.  Graffiti contributes to a decline in property values, increases citizen fear, and potentially reduces retail sales for businesses. For these reasons, it is important to report and remove graffiti quickly.

If you see graffiti on your property or in your community you can report it two ways:

1. On Private Property: Call the RCMP non-emergency number at 250.425.6233.
2. On Public Property: Fill out our Online Form or contact the Bylaw Enforcement Officer 250.425.6820 or by email at bleo@sparwood.ca.

If you witness a person creating graffiti, phone 9-1-1 and report it to the RCMP. If you come across paint cans near fresh graffiti, please do not touch. The RCMP may be able to lift fingerprints and use the cans as evidence.

Install motion detector lights on your property.  Move dumpsters, ladders and vehicles away from building to deter vandals from getting onto rooftops. On exposed concrete walls, consider planting vines or ivy covering to eliminate potential graffiti areas.

Make sure your property is secure when it is not occupied. Protect areas where graffiti has occurred in the past with a product designed to repel graffiti, allowing for easier clean up.

The District of Sparwood is responsible for removing graffiti on public structures such as lamp standards, traffic control boxes, municipal parks, municipal signs and barricades.

Delays in removal tend to encourage graffiti vandals to expand the graffiti to adjacent properties. In this way, graffiti can act as a magnet and attract more graffiti to the area.

Remove the graffiti yourself as soon as it appears or have a professional graffiti company remove the graffiti for you. Remember, as a property owner it is YOUR responsibility to remove graffiti from your building.

Further information is available in the Unsightly Premises Bylaw or by contacting the Bylaw Enforcement Officer 250.425.6820 or by email at bleo@sparwood.ca