Graffiti Prevention | City of Victoria

Graffiti impacts the look and feel of our city. It is any writing, etching, drawing or symbol applied to any public or private property without the owner’s consent. Graffiti is a form of vandalism and a crime that detracts from Victoria’s image for residents and visitors.

Removing graffiti quickly and consistently is a way of showing pride in the community. Graffiti, if left unchecked:

reduces property values
promotes an undesirable image of the city
undermines residents’ and visitors’ sense of security
can lead to more graffiti

Everyone has a role in keeping Victoria vibrant and clean. City crews remove graffiti from public property. The City's Property Maintenance Bylaw requires property owners to remove graffiti from their private property.

This rack card provides helpful information on how to report, prevent and remove graffiti. A link to the PDF is available below.

How to Report, Remove and Prevent Graffiti

Here's what residents, businesses and property owners can do to report, remove and prevent graffiti in Victoria. This information is also available on the Graffiti rack card.

REPORT

Report graffiti in progress by calling 911.

Private Property:

Report graffiti on your private property:
- Take a photo of the entire tag. Include any small initials or markings around the edges.
- Make a note of the date, time and location.
- Check if there is any security camera footage.
- Submit a graffiti crime report online to VicPD.
- Fill out this online form(select "Private Property" and the problem sub-type: "Graffiti") or email Bylaw Services at bylawservices@victoria.ca with "Reporting a Bylaw Violation: Private Property" in the subject line.
You can also report graffiti on private property owned by BC Hydro, Canada Post, Telus, Shaw or on Pattison bus shelters by contacting them directly at the following phone numbers:
- BC Hydro poles and boxes, call 1.800.224.9376
- Canada Post boxes, call 1.888.550.6333
- Telus phone booths or boxes, call 250.388.8617
- Shaw cable boxes, call 250.475.5655
- Pattison Outdoor bus shelters, call 250.413.3212

Public Property:

Report graffiti on public property by calling the City’s Graffiti Hotline at 250.361.0466.

REMOVE

Keep eco-friendly cleaning products and rags on hand to quickly remove graffiti tags.
Learn how to remove graffiti from painted and unpainted masonry on historic buildings. See below for more information.
Contact the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) Clean Team for assistance with graffiti removal at 250.386.2238.

PREVENT

Consider installing motion detector lighting and/or cameras and plantings to restrict access.
Use eco-friendly, graffiti-resistant coating on exterior walls to make clean-up easier.
The Securing Small Business Rebate program provides small businesses with funds for vandalism repairs and preventative measures. Eligible businesses can receive up to $2,000 per year for reparative costs and up to $1,000 for preventative measures. Applications are retroactive from January 1, 2023 and will be accepted until January 31, 2025 or until program funds are fully allocated.
Explore grants offered by the DVBA:
- Enhance Downtown Victoria Grant - for up to 20 per cent of the cost for murals and public arts installations
- Business Facade Improvement Program - a partnership between the City and DVBA to provide financial support (reimbursement of 20 per cent of costs to a maximum of $2,500) for businesses or property owners to improve the look and feel of commercial properties.
- Security and/or Vandalism Grant - funding for businesses to set up security cameras, upgrade locks, install anti-shatter window films, etc.
Consider working with a local artist to paint a mural on your building to deter graffiti:
- Learn more about the City's Mural Roster and Mural Tool Kit.
- The City's My Great Neighbourhood Grant program funds projects such as murals to enhance the community.

How to Remove Graffiti from Historic Buildings

Painted Masonry

Unpainted Masonry

Painting over tags on unpainted masonry is not permitted and will result in permanent damage and larger maintenance issues, such as interior moisture damage and crumbling masonry and mortar, and may require wholesale masonry replacement and interior restoration to address the issues caused.

In addition, mechanical or abrasive methods, including but not limited to power washing and scrubbing with wire brushes, cannot be used.

What you can do:

Identify the type of masonry (i.e., concrete, limestone, sandstone, etc.) and the material used in the tag.
Refer to the attached chart to determine the best method to remove the graffiti and the tips provided.
Engage a trained individual to remove the graffiti if necessary, following the identified method and using appropriate safety equipment. There are local companies that provide this service.
Always test the selected method in a small area first.
Sacrificial anti-graffiti coatings to prevent graffiti from penetrating the unpainted masonry may be supported in some cases, so long as they:
- Are not visible, regardless of conditions (i.e., rain, direct sunlight, dirt, etc.)
- Are easily removed without damaging the underlying masonry
- Do not obscure features or textures such as detailing, carving or tooling
- Are water-vapour permeable
- Will not interfere with maintenance
- Have been tested on an inconspicuous area.

A Delegated Heritage Alteration Permit may be required to apply a sacrificial coating. For more information, contact the City's Heritage Planning division at: developmentservices@victoria.ca.

NOTE: If graffiti has been previously painted over on unpainted masonry, that paint should be carefully removed before it causes more damage. For more information, see: Preservation Brief 38: Removing Graffiti from Historic Masonry.