Focus for 20052007

1
Emergency Protective Services Committee June 8,
2006
Graffiti Management Strategy
2
Background

• Current program definition of graffiti
• Most common type tagging
• Graffiti can be found in a variety of places
• Graffiti vandalism is not a victimless crime

3
Background

• Best practices from other Canadian municipalities
  (e.g. Calgary, London, Toronto, Winnipeg,
  Victoria)
• Key contact lists for reporting
• Tips for prevention
• Performance standards for timely removal

4
Background

• Partnerships with suppliers for discounts, colour
  match paints
• Tips/guides for effective graffiti removal
• Graffiti hotline and websites
• Public education campaigns
• Free year-round graffiti removal services

5
Background

• Volunteer programs
• Designated areas for graffiti art and murals
• Graffiti by-laws
• By-laws restricting the sale of graffiti
  implements
• Coordinated enforcement programs
• Cooperation with BIAs

6
Discussion

• Proliferation of graffiti an issue in all Wards
• Current Graffiti Management Strategy needs to be
  reviewed and enhancements made
• Best practices in other cities can be referenced
• Need consistent and timely removal on all
  properties

7
Discussion

• Provide citizens with tangible solutions and
  ability to report
• Database of removal companies, removal tips and
  products
• Provide additional designated spaces for
  artwork/murals

8
Discussion

• Identified gaps
• Harmonized graffiti by-law
• Proactive vs. Reactive measures
• Reporting graffiti
• Support network for private sector (homeowners,
  small businesses)

9
Consultation

• Preliminary
• Public Works and Services Surface Operations
  Branch
• Community and Protective Services By-law
  Services Branch

10
Surface Operations

• Council-supported Graffiti Management Program
  (GMP) in place since 2003
• GMP is based on the successful 4E model
• Centralized coordination by PWS with other City
  departments and Ottawa Police, and through
  partnerships with private sector, artists, reps
  from community and homeowner associations

11
Surface Operations

• Eradication component of the 4E model
• All reported incidents of hate graffiti are
  addressed within 24 hours regardless of asset
• Graffiti management activities result in
  estimated expenditure of 585K annually to remove
  graffiti

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Surface Operations

• Hydro Ottawa participates in program also
• Ottawa Police Service focuses on enforcement and
  education
• Internal and External Stakeholder Committees in
  place
• External Committee includes reps from BIAs, the
  utilities, and others levels of government

13
Surface Operations

• Residents are encouraged to report incidents
  through 311, regardless of property ownership
• Call Centre staff an integral part of the
  reporting/removal system
• Alternative legal graffiti wall at Dunbar
  Bridge Policy under development
• Information posted on ottawa.ca

14
By-law Services

• Current by-laws to address graffiti
• Property Standards By-law 2005-207
• Parks and Facilities By-law 2004-276
• Fence By-law 2003-462
• Use and Care of Roads By-law 2003-498
• Encroachment By-law 2003-446

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By-law Services

• Property Standards By-law enforcement involves
  the issuance of an Order to remove the graffiti
  non-compliance can result in the City causing
  the work to be done at the property owners
  expense
• Parks and Facilities (PF), Fence, Use and Care
  of Roads (UCR), Encroachment By-laws are
  generally subject to standard enforcement
  processes -- the PF and UCR By-laws also
  provide for charging back costs to violators

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Questions?