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Graffiti

Graffiti is the etching, painting or placing of a mark on public or private property and is a major concern for many citizens, organizations, and businesses.

If ignored, graffiti can:

  • lead to increased graffiti and crime
  • loss of business growth and tourism
  • result in costly clean up
  • reduce property values
  • decrease residents feelings of safety

To report graffiti in progress:

  • call 911
  • call Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477

Yes. Graffiti is considered an act of vandalism and is a criminal offence when placed on public or private property without the owner's consent. The criminal charge that would be laid for someone committing an act of vandalism is "mischief". Persons charged with mischief would be required to attend court.

According to section 430 of the Criminal Code, the punishment for mischief in relation to property is as follows:

  • (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or
  • (b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction

Public property

Graffiti found on City of Welland infrastructure, such as City-owned facilities, playground equipment, traffic signs, etc., should be reported by calling 905-735-1700 x3000.

Once City staff is aware of the graffiti on City property, all efforts are made to provide removal within 48 hours, and 24 hours in the case of obscene or discriminatory graffiti.

Private property

If graffiti is found on a private residence or commercial building please contact the by-law enforcement division.

Any graffiti found on private infrastructure located throughout the City of Welland can be directed to their respective owners. Contact information is located below. If you're unsure of who to contact, please direct your complaint to the by-law enforcement division.

  • Bell Canada pedestals: 1-866-213-1756
  • Canada Post mail boxes: 905-732-1062 x2002
  • Cogeco pedestals: 905-371-6258
  • Traffic signal poles and equipment: 905-984-3690
  • Hydro poles: 905-732-1381
  • Traffic signs: 905-735-1700 x3000

To provide assistance to private property owners victimized by graffiti, City Council created the Graffiti Removal Assistance Program. This program makes funds available to property owners for removal of graffiti on their property. The program will pay property owners 100 per cent of the cost of removal of graffiti up to a maximum payment of $500 per year.

For further information on the assistance program contact the by-law enforcement division.

Resources

By-law Enforcement Division
Civic Square,
60 East Main St., Welland, ON L3B 3X4

Phone: 905-735-1700 x2224
Email: bylaw_enforc@welland.ca

 

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