New Sault committee looks to crack down on graffiti

A closer look at preventing graffiti will be looked at in Sault Ste. Marie, after a string of offensive displays by one man, including spray painting anti-Indigenous language and painting over the pride crosswalk.

There have been multiple instances of offensive graffiti in the city in recent weeks, leading to the arrest of one man, along with five charges for mischief.

There have been multiple instances of offensive graffiti in the Sault in recent weeks, leading to the arrest of one man, along with five charges for mischief. (Photo from video)

The incidents have brought a renewed focus on preventing vandalism from city council, with the creation of a new graffiti subcommittee.

"The main thing that's going to happen is looking at ways of getting to youth earlier on and seeing things that are available and what's acceptable behaviour," said deputy CAO Brent Lamming.

"And going into the schools and working in partnership with the committee to educate and inform."

The city had a short-lived graffiti committee roughly a decade ago that dissolved after three years.

The new sub-committee will include more than a dozen local stakeholders, including local school board staff, a council representative and police.

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Plans include the creation of an easy-to-understand page on the city’s website for people to report graffiti, in addition to reporting to the Sault police.

"It's all about communication and knowing where to go. If there's a type of graffiti, if it's on a community centre or if it's on a building downtown, knowing where to have, the information report is pretty key," Lamming said.

He said the sub-committee will meet for the first time before the end of November.