Graffiti removal and mural projects

The Great Beginnings building mural program continues to deter graffiti taggers while beautifying the neighbourhood.

A partnership between the City of Vancouver and BC Hydro also contributed to graffiti prevention. The BC Hydro Padmounted Transformer (PMT) Beautification Project involved engaging the community to include youth in beautifying padmounts (the large metal above-ground BC Hydro boxes that dot Vancouver streets) with a message about preserving the environment. Art designs on padmounts discourage graffiti taggers from using these surfaces. Outreach teams worked through community centres and neighbourhood groups to involve and educate youth about the project and the environment. Professional artists transferred winning designs onto the padmounts.

Great Beginnings staff are conducting regular Graffiti Surveys in the Great Beginnings area to measure the success of graffiti abatement strategies in the neighbourhood. Surveys, which are conducted every three-four months, have demonstrated that the number of buildings tagged with graffiti has consistently been decreasing since November 2008. This is due to the many different initiatives in the neighbourhood; the work of the property use inspector enforcing the graffiti by-law, graffiti removals performed by social enterprises, mural projects, increased awareness, education, cleaner streets and alleys and an overall increased sense of care and attention to the public realm.

Mission Impossible

The Great Beginnings Program supports Mission Possible, a social enterprise that provides work opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment through the removal of graffiti. This project contributes to an increase in available low-threshold employment and skills development for DTES residents.

Please click on the following links to view media coverage of Mission Possible:

• CTV British Columbia: Michele Brunoro on homeless work program
• CNN Interview with Mission Possible CEO Brian Postlewait