City responds to community graffiti concerns

March 11, 2008

(Red Deer, AB) - City Council once again demonstrated its commitment to foster community pride last night after they approved a Community Standards Bylaw amendment that will see a crack-down on graffiti in Red Deer.

The amendment substantially increases the fine for applying graffiti and requires property owners to remove graffiti as soon as it is applied.

“The bylaw amendment sends a very clear message to graffiti vandals: graffiti is a crime, and as a community, we’re not going to tolerate it anymore,” said Jennifer Smith, Bylaw Research Coordinator. “We will continue to work as a community to send that message. This is only one of many things we’re doing to help property owners who are impacted by graffiti.”

The bylaw was amended as the first step in a comprehensive graffiti strategy that aims to decrease graffiti vandalism and increase awareness about this crime. A partnership between the City, law enforcement, and other key stakeholders has been the driving force behind this strategy, which is set to be unveiled in coming months.

The focus on reducing graffiti aligns with the City’s commitment to make Red Deer more nuisance-free through the Community Standards bylaw. The bylaw was passed by City Council in early 2007 to improve the city’s appearance and set standards for acceptable behaviour.

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For more information see the Q & A Backgrounder.

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Smith
Bylaw Research Coordinator
The City of Red Deer
(403) 356-8896