Many municipalities grapple with graffiti, but the problem has become increasingly worse in St. John’s according to the councillor responsible.

Sandy Hickman, lead on public works, says it’s getting out of hand.

With no dedicated graffiti clean up team patrolling the city, he says the department relies on complaints to 311 or emails to Access St. John’s to address the problem.

Many major cities have a budget specifically for graffiti but Hickman notes St. John’s does not. Instead, the clean up is part of the maintenance budget, something he is hoping to change.

Hickman thinks the city should have a dedicated team of staff or staff more equipped for this type of thing, that go out every day and do graffiti removal. It’s an idea he is going to bring forward to council.

Graffiti not only creates an eyesore in the community but also contributes to a perception of neglect and urban decay.