Item - 2024.IE13.9
Tracking Status
- City Council adopted this item on May 22 and 23, 2024 with amendments.
- This item was considered by the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on May 2, 2024 and adopted without amendment. It will be considered by City Council on May 22 and 23, 2024.
IE13.9 - 1000 Mural Graffiti Removal Blitz
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
City Council Decision
City Council on May 22 and 23, 2024, adopted the following:
1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to report to City Council through the Infrastructure and Environment Committee as soon as possible on:
a. the feasibility of expanding the City’s StreetARToronto program to create 1000 new murals throughout the City in partnership with Business Improvement Areas, private property owners, the arts community, and corporate partners including support and recognition for permitted graffiti and street art and prevention of graffiti vandalism; and
b. an update on exploring the feasibility of City-wide graffiti blitzes with the participation of appropriate divisions.
2. City Council request Mayor Chow to kick off the 1000 Mural Graffiti Blitz at Mel Lastman Square, once it begins, by participating in painting the first mural of the blitz.
Background Information (Committee)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-245375.pdf
Motions (City Council)
That City Council request Mayor Chow to kick off the 1000 Mural Graffiti Blitz, at Mel Lastman Square, once it begins, by participating in painting the first mural of the blitz.
Vote (Adopt Item as Amended) May-23-2024 12:16 PM
| Result: Carried | Majority Required - IE13.9 - Adopt the Item as amended |
|---|---|
| Total members that voted Yes: 22 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie, Brad Bradford, Alejandra Bravo, Jon Burnside, Lily Cheng, Mike Colle, Vincent Crisanti, Paula Fletcher, Stephen Holyday, Parthi Kandavel, Ausma Malik, Nick Mantas, Josh Matlow, Jennifer McKelvie, Chris Moise, Amber Morley, Jamaal Myers, Frances Nunziata (Chair), James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Dianne Saxe |
| Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
| Total members that were Absent: 3 | Members that were absent are Shelley Carroll, Olivia Chow, Michael Thompson |
IE13.9 - 1000 Mural Graffiti Removal Blitz
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Committee Recommendations
The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommend that:
1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services in consultation with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, to report to City Council through the Infrastructure and Environment Committee as soon as possible on:
a. the feasibility of expanding the City’s StreetARToronto program to create 1000 new murals throughout the City in partnership with Business Improvement Areas, private property owners, the arts community, and corporate partners including support and recognition for permitted graffiti and street art and prevention of graffiti vandalism.
b. An update on exploring the feasibility of City-wide graffiti blitzes with the participation of appropriate divisions.
Origin
Summary
Over the last year, there has been a marked increase in graffiti tagging throughout the City including hateful messages, on both City property and private property, in part resulting from the global conflicts such as in the Middle East.
Combating graffiti is an ongoing challenge that requires a combination of public awareness and graffiti removal by the City and private property owners. One cost-effective and attractive City building method of addressing graffiti is encouraging murals on private buildings and on City property as murals are seldom tagged with graffiti.
Whether it is litter, garbage, or property in disrepair, there is a need to remind residents that if care is taken through daily upkeep and regular cleanup, it encourages pride of place and a greater appreciation of keeping the City safe and clean as espoused in the “broken windows theory” which proposes that a safer and more beautiful City results when we collectively take care of the daily surroundings in our communities.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-245375.pdf