Victoria Councillor Proposes Restrictions on Spray Paint Sales to Curb Graffiti Costs
The proposal would examine retail limits for minors, secure storage rules and other measures as Victoria reports $472,000 in graffiti-related engineering costs.
- Victoria City Council will consider a motion on Thursday, May 21, to curb graffiti by restricting access to spray paint. Stephen Hammond proposed the investigation into potential bylaw amendments to reduce unauthorized usage of these implements.
- The City spent $472,000 on Engineering and Public Works removal efforts in 2025, while Parks and Recreation incurred $43,000. These mounting costs prompted the current motion to address graffiti vandalism.
- Retail sale restrictions for minors and secure display requirements are included in Hammond's motion, which requires consultation with the Downtown Victoria Business Association, VicPD, Songhees, and Xwsepsum Nations.
- Alongside potential regulatory changes, The City is developing the Ghost Signs project to remove graffiti while restoring heritage signage. Two projects are currently in development, with more expected.
- According to Hammond, at least half of the $100,000 in dedicated funds targets graffiti removal. The Thursday discussion will evaluate staffing impacts, legal authority, and potential consequences of these proposed bylaw amendments.
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Graffiti busting: Victoria considers bylaws to curb the tools of vandalism
Victoria is considering taking on vandals with a proposed look at bylaws to curb the tools of graffiti. Coun. Stephen Hammond is presenting a series of questions he hopes council will consider asking staff to investigate, and report back with options for possible bylaw amendments or other measures to reduce unauthorized use of spray paint and similar graffiti implements. “The City of Victoria is constantly working to remove graffiti and yet it’s…
Graffiti busting: Victoria considers bylaws to curb the tools of vandalism - Tofino/Ucluelet Westerly News
Victoria is considering taking on vandals with a proposed look at bylaws to curb the tools of graffiti. Coun. Stephen Hammond is presenting a series of questions he hopes council will consider asking staff to investigate, and report back with options for possible bylaw amendments or other measures to reduce unauthorized use of spray paint and similar graffiti implements. “The City of Victoria is constantly working to remove graffiti and yet it’s…
Victoria councillor's motion would restrict spray paint to cut graffiti
The City of Victoria spends more than $500,000 a year removing graffiti, and one councillor says limiting access to spray paint could help curb the costly problem. This is not the write stuff, and it adds up to a big price tag, noted city councillor Stephen Hammond. “When I look into our budget alone for the city we spend well over half a million dollars every year on graffitti, removing the graffiti,” Hammond said. Watch below: Loading the pla…
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