Graffiti By-Law

The City of St. Catharines is committed to reducing and eliminating graffiti in our neighbourhoods. Our Graffiti By-law governs the reduction, removal, reporting and prevention of unwanted graffiti in the city, and requires property owners to maintain their property free of graffiti.

Report an issue

To report an act of graffiti in progress on public or private property, call 9-1-1.

You can report an issue around graffiti complaints on private property online.
Calling 905.688.5600 for graffiti on public property

We make all efforts to remove graffiti on City property within one week, or 24 hours in the case of obscene or discriminatory graffiti, after staff are made aware of the issue. We deliver a notice to owners of the private property affected, who are obligated to clean the graffiti within a reasonable timeline.

The by-law is not intended to punish property owners victimized, but rather encourage prompt reporting and removal to keep neighbourhoods clean.

Contacting police

You should also report all graffiti incidents to Niagara Regional Police Service by calling 905.688.4111 or using their online reporting process.

Financial assistance with graffiti removal

Our Graffiti Removal Assistance Program helps private property owners who are victimized by graffiti with financial assistance in cleanup efforts. The program distributes funds to successful applicants equal to 50 per cent of the removal cost, up to a maximum payment of $500, up to three times per year.

Complete our online Graffiti Removal Assistance Application Form to apply for funds, or contact us at 905.688.5601 ext. 3147 for more information.

How to prevent graffiti

There are many ways you can prevent graffiti on your property:

Avoid landscaping and other features that block sightlines around windows and doors or that create hidden spots next to walkways
Consider adding a mural to an exterior wall to discourage further tagging and vandalism
Consider using protective coating for walls
Increase visibility and lighting
Install security cameras to monitor the property
Plant vines, shrubs and thorny plants to limit wall access
Prevent access to roofs and upper levels by moving vehicles and dumpsters away from walls and covering pipes to discourage climbing
Prompt existing graffiti removal
Use fencing and other barriers to prevent access and through traffic
Use textured surfaces and limit available surfaces during the design of new buildings or additions
Using motion or sensor lighting to draw attention to movement after dark