REPORT TO STANDING COMMITTEE ON CITY SERVICES AND BUDGETS

SPECIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ON CULTURAL COMMUNITIES

March 6, 2002

RECOMMENDATION

1. Guidelines for Anti-Graffiti Contractors

The Special Advisory Committee to Council on Cultural Communities has taken a keen interest in the development of the City's Anti-Graffiti Program since its inception. The Committee has been particularly interested in the City's handling of hate-related graffiti, its on-going initiatives for prompt removal, and the preventative measures to minimize incidents of graffiti , both on public and private property in the city. In this context, the committee has had the frequent benefit of information from Rowan Birch, Streets Administration Engineer, and Helen Chomolok, the Anti-Graffiti Coordinator, as well as input from the Hate Crime Team.

In June of 2001, under the direction of City Council, graffiti removal from public property was contracted out to a private contractor. We understand that as a part of the contract, the data including photographs of the offensive graffiti is being collected, and is being transmitted to the Engineering Department for further necessary action. As a committee, we have been concerned that the intent of the program not be diluted in any way, and that the contractors clearly understand the importance of collecting and transmitting information, and responding to removal of graffiti in a speedy manner, especially when it is hate-related and directed towards minority groups.

In this context, we think it is necessary that the contractors are trained properly, and are provided with clear guidelines on collection and transmission of information to appropriate staff personnel. They should have an understanding of the nature and proliferation of hate graffiti, and be provided with clear and consistent process and procedures to be followed. The committee will be happy to participate in the process to provide its input.

Therefore, the Special Advisory Committee to Council on Cultural Communities

RECOMMENDS,

THAT staff be requested to formulate clear guidelines and criteria to assist the contractors charged with the responsibility of removal of graffiti.

2. Establishment of Anti-Graffiti Interdepartmental Working Group

The Special Advisory Committee to Council on Cultural Communities is cognizant of the importance of prompt removal of graffiti, not only from public properties, but from private properties as well, where it tends to stay for long periods of time. We have been made aware of the difficulties that the staff face in persuading private property owners in getting the graffiti removed in an expeditious manner. We are aware that under the directions of the Council, a public consultation process is underway to determine how the private property owners can forge partnerships with the city personnel for speedy removal of graffiti.

However, the issue of enforcement through regulatory measures needs to be addressed in addition to the range of options that may emerge through the public consultation process. It is of utmost importance that property owners cooperate with City staff to remove graffiti in a timely fashion.

It is our recommendation that General Managers of concerned departments be requested to strike an interdepartmental work group, with representation from the Vancouver Police Department (Community Policing Branch or the Hate Crime Team), Engineering Services, Property Use Department , and Legal Services to look at ways to ensure co-operation and compliance to the City's graffiti removal procedures. We would also like to see representation from our committee in this working group to bring a community perspective to the process. It is our hope that a collaborative and comprehensive approach will go a long way to combat the proliferation of graffiti (especially hate- related graffiti) from our city.

Therefore, the Special Advisory Committee to Council on Cultural Communities ,

RECOMMENDS,

THAT General Managers of concerned departments be requested to strike an interdepartmental work group, with representation from the Vancouver Police Department (Community Policing Branch or the Hate Crime Team), Engineering Services, Property Use Department, Legal Services and the Special Advisory Committee on Cultural Communities, to look at ways to ensure co-operation and compliance to the City's graffiti removal procedures.

Erwin Nest
Chair,
Special Advisory Committee on Cultural Communities

CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS

The City Manager's views are reflected in the accompanying Policy Report dated March 25, 2002, specifically as reflected in Recommendation E, quoted below. The City Manager RECOMMENDS

E. THAT Council request the General Manager of Engineering Services to consult with Special Advisory Committee on Cultural Communities to develop guidelines which will ensure that a clear and consistent process is followed by the City's contractors when dealing with hate and offensive graffiti.

FURTHER THAT Council request the General Managers of Engineering Services and Community Services and the Director of Legal Services to consult with the Special Advisory Committee on Cultural Communities to develop a process to ensure prompt removal of hate and offensive graffiti from private property in the absence of the owner's permission.

The Chair of the Committee has been shown a draft of the report, and is satisfied that the Committee's concerns have been met.

* * * * *

(c) 1998 City of Vancouver