?Vaughan is a safe and beautiful city,? said Councillor Bernie DiVona, Chair of the Safe City Committee. ?With this by-law we are working with the community to erase graffiti and put a stop to this form of vandalism. We are using a ?positive? discipline approach by enhancing education and communication, and a ?negative? discipline approach to erase graffiti as soon as it appears and move towards zero tolerance.?

Research shows that graffiti decreases the sense of public safety, threatens the enjoyment of parks and public spaces, lowers property values and reduces investment in a community. The City began a public education campaign in 2008 with a grant from the provincial government. It has featured development of an educational brochure mailed to every Vaughan household with the 2009 spring/summer recreation guide, and a survey of residents. Other support for the campaign has come from York Regional Police, Crime Stoppers and the York Catholic District School Board.

?The intent of the by-law is to promote a greater sense of community safety and respect for property,? said Mayor Linda Jackson. ?We are asking property owners to join us in the campaign against graffiti and help curb this public nuisance by ensuring the timely removal of graffiti.?

Under the by-law anyone charged with a graffiti offence is liable to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $20,000, with the maximum amount increasing to $50,000 upon subsequent convictions.

For more information, visit the Major Projects section on the City?s website at www.vaughan.ca. To report graffiti, call 905-879-HELP (4357).