A graffiti removal program is about to get more legs, following town-approved funding of $5,000.
For the past four years Coun. Jason Heistad, an advocate for the program, has been volunteering with the work crew at the Red Deer Remand Centre, bringing in men on the weekends who are paying off fines by working in the community.
"What we try to do is approach businesses and help out cleaning up graffiti Ö as well as in the community."
Now that there's money in place from the town, he's hoping to expand the program and get more community members on board.
"With the money we can help offset costs for some of the businesses. What we would like to do is purchase some of these kits where hopefully we can get some members that can take one home and look after a block in the area," he said of graffiti that shows up on signage such as post boxes and stop signs.
This Wednesday the chamber of commerce will host Heistad, the town bylaw officers and an RCMP member who will speak about removing the unwanted art from businesses.
"We're (the program) basically getting rid of it, it's an eyesore to people who are coming into our town or to all of us living in Innisfail and I think it's something we need to work on and hopefully we can get rid of it."
Currently the fine for first offence of placing graffiti is $500, doubling to $1,000 for a second offence and $2,500 for a third.
He hopes the town can work with residents and business owners and get voluntary compliance before moving to issue a fine.
"Studies say if you get rid of it within 24 hours and it comes back and you continually do that, those who are doing it will stop. That has happened in a few areas in town. Our intent is trying to get rid of it and getting the community involved."
Currently the downtown association in Red Deer has a graffiti program that encourages people to remove the paint within 24 hours in their community.
They've had their program for five years and promotion director Janice Shimek said they've noticed a significant difference.
"Like any community it's there. It's just been in the last few years that we decided to really step it up," explained Shimek. She said fines for graffiti have increased, with the first offender receiving a charge of $2,500. As well, the association puts about $10,000 a year into advertising the program and has a hotline and web page devoted to the cause.
"The hotline goes directly to the bylaw officers, whether that's people reporting graffiti in action or on a commercial building somewhere," she said, adding that businesses must remove graffiti within a certain amount of time.
"It's getting rid of it right away that's important."
The luncheon for Innisfail business owners is this Wednesday at the legion boardroom starting at 11:45. Tickets are $10.
"It's a big job; there's a lot our there," said Heistad. "And there's a lot we can do to enhance Innisfail. We really want to see people get involved in helping out in some way."
