Taggers engaging in ‘blatant destruction’

NEWS — The Kamloops Graffiti Task Force is “stepping out of the shadows” and taking a consultative approach with property owners to keep the city clean.

Task Force coordinator Ronnie Bouvier said today most of the graffiti in Kamloops has become focused on “blatant destruction” rather than artistic expression.

During 2012, 144,000 sq. ft. was painted over; in 2013 it was 163,000 sq. ft.

Memoiral benches, tot lots and parks buildings are particular popular for tagging, Bouvier said. “Any structure in a city park will get hit.”

Tagging has increased on private property due, in large part, to the task force being diligent in public parks, she said.

The task force will focus on co-operating with business owners rather than enforcing bylaw penalties.

Asked by City councillors what other cities are finding successful, Bouvier said some cities hire bylaws officers to work with police and graffiti task forces for six months during the height of graffiti season.

Others restrict the sale of paint to youth.

Bouvier said getting children involved in paint-outs and murals has been proving very successful.