Regina neighbourhood aims to wipe out graffiti ahead of festival

A neighbourhood in Regina is trying to wipe out graffiti, and the city is using that initiative to remind residents across the Queen City about removing that type of vandalism.

Before the Cathedral Village Arts Festival from May 23 to 28, a number of groups are working to get rid of unwanted spray paint on buildings in the Cathedral neighbourhood.

The initiative is prompting the city to put out what it believes is the best way to curb this sort of activity through three steps:

1. Record – take a photo of the graffiti as soon as you see it.
2.  Report -report all incidents by calling 306-777-6500 or online at reginapolice.ca.
3.  Remove – remove graffiti from your property as soon as possible.

“Graffiti is a crime. It’s not art,” said police Chief Troy Hagen.

Hagen said about one-fifth of all reported graffiti incidents in 2015 occurred in Cathedral. A total of 526 incidents were reported, with 92 taking place in that area of the city. Hagen said it’s hard to truly gage whether this crime is increasing or decreasing because not all incidents are reported.

The chief said vandalism like this isn’t confined to one area and can be found throughout Regina.

“It’s still a concern in our community. It’s damage to property and if you’re the property owner it’s very troubling.”

Hagen added if graffiti isn’t removed quickly, it encourages more graffiti.

Mayor Michael Fougere agreed.

“If you don’t take care of the small things in your neighbourhood, then things can get out of hand and it can be a problem. So it’s important that we remove graffiti as soon as we can,” he said.

To learn more about the city’s Graffiti Management Program, visit regina.ca.