Edmonton property owners can now receive financial assistance for graffiti clean-up through a new program offered by the city.
The program, called the Graffiti Vandalism Reduction Program, aims to help property owners cover the costs of removing graffiti from their buildings. It is available to both residential and commercial property owners.
According to the city, graffiti is a growing issue in Edmonton, with over 10,000 incidents reported in 2020 alone. Not only does it damage the appearance of buildings, but it also has a negative impact on property values and can attract other criminal activity.
Through the Graffiti Vandalism Reduction Program, property owners can receive up to $750 per incident, with a maximum of $2,500 per year. The funding can be used for professional graffiti removal services or for purchasing supplies to remove the graffiti themselves.
To be eligible for the program, property owners must report the graffiti to the city’s 311 service within 48 hours of its discovery. They must also provide proof of ownership and a police report, if applicable.
The program has received positive feedback from property owners who have already utilized it. One business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that the financial assistance allowed them to quickly remove the graffiti and prevent further damage to their property.
The Graffiti Vandalism Reduction Program is just one of the city’s efforts to combat graffiti in Edmonton. The city also has a Graffiti Management Strategy in place, which includes education, enforcement, and community involvement initiatives.
Property owners interested in applying for the program can do so through the city’s website or by calling 311. The program will be available until December 31, 2021, or until the allocated funding runs out.
The city hopes that this program will not only help property owners with the financial burden of graffiti clean-up but also send a message to vandals that their actions will not be tolerated.
