Portage la Prairie’s free summer graffiti removal program is wrapping up with just a few days left for residents to report vandalism.
The initiative, run by the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC), offers property owners an easy way to have graffiti painted over or removed at no cost.
“This summer we've done 19 properties. Every year kind of varies in terms of size of projects and the number of tags we do," remarks Mari Kozar, executive director of PCRC. "If anybody has any graffiti to report, definitely get those reports into us."
Reporting graffiti is simple
Residents who notice graffiti can either call the PCRC office at 204-240-7272 or e-mail graffiti@portagecrc.com to submit a request. Kozar notes the organization then sends a consent form to the property owner before staff start the removal process.
"People either call in to let us know where graffiti is or they e-mail us and let us know. If they are the property owner, we send them the form to fill out to make sure that we have consent to deal with the graffiti and then our Green Team goes out to. Either paint over it or remove it. We do a lot of painting, because that's the easiest way and it's a pretty simple process.”
Students lead the cleanup efforts
The work is primarily carried out by summer students hired through the provincial Green Team program.
“Every year we typically have people reach out before we start the program, even and let us know where some tags are or come in and sign the consent forms to have their properties painted or have tags removed," said Kozar.
Students are trained to use a variety of techniques depending on the surface, including painting over graffiti or applying removal products suitable for the area.
Kozar mentions that the program often tackles a wide range of locations, from business walls to residential properties, and ensures surfaces are protected during the removal process.
Quick removal helps prevent repeat tagging
The program has proven effective in keeping Portage la Prairie clean.
Kozar notes that research shows prompt removal reduces the likelihood of graffiti reappearing, helping maintain the city’s appearance and making neighborhoods more welcoming.
Residents who spot graffiti are encouraged to report it as soon as possible to ensure timely removal.
Program continues through August
The annual program, which officially runs through July and August, is entirely free to the community thanks to funding partnerships and support from the city. Kozar adds that even if graffiti appears on someone else’s property, residents can report it, and PCRC will handle obtaining consent before removal.
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