How To Get Rid Of Graffiti In Your Neighbourhood
Wednesday November 1, 2006
To see Pam Seatle's story about graffit and why it's suddenly become a contentious civic election issue, click here.
Here's a look at how you can fight the scrawl of the wild if you see something on a wall or overpass you don't think should be there.

What is Graffiti?

They say one man's graffiti is another man's art. Some of the markings are simply from youngsters with an artistic bent. Others are far more dangerous and indicate gang activity. But by far the most odious are those that spread hatred in a few painted letters.

So how does the city actually define the unwanted markings? Here's the official version:

"One or more letters, symbols, figures, etching, scratches, inscriptions, stains, or other markings that disfigure or deface a structure or thing, howsoever made or otherwise affixed on the structure or thing, but, for greater certainty, does not include an art mural."

How To Get It Removed

If you see something in your neighbourhood that fits the rather uniquely phrased criteria listed above and it's on city property, call (416) 39-CLEAN. To report those behind the spray cans to police call (416) 808-2222.

How Long Does It Take To Get It Removed?

A lot depends on what kind of graffiti it is. Hate scrawls on city property are scrubbed off or covered over within 24 hours. Ordinary or less incendiary markings should be gone within 72 hours of the first report. In both cases, an inspector is dispatched to make the decision.

The city gets to it quickly because research shows that once one defacement occurs, more are sure to follow.

What If It's Not On City Property?

If the offending art is on your turf, you're responsible for removing it - and paying whatever costs are involved. If an inspector serves you with a notice about markings that contravene the bylaw, you have 72 hours to fix it, or the city will clean it up for you and charge you for the trouble on your next tax bill.

Most common targets

According to Toronto Police, here's where the lawless artists strike most often.

Public and private buildings
Recreational facilities
Newspaper boxes
Municipal street furniture
Utility boxes
Parks and playgrounds
Bridges and overpasses
Public transit property & vehicles\
Canada Post mail boxes & property
How can I stop it?

Experts claim those who most commonly contribute to the problem tend to leave murals alone. That's why the city actually has a fund that encourages the creation of those wall to wall art forms. To find out more about it, call (416) 392-0622.

For tips on how to remove graffiti from a variety of different surfaces, click here.

To find out about Toronto Police's graffiti elimination program, click here.