Government of Yukon
Government
FOR RELEASE #07-155
July 19, 2007
Graffiti Clean-Up Pilot Project To Commence In Whitehorse
WHITEHORSE - Government of Yukon's Department of Justice, Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce, and the Youth of Today Society have initiated a Graffiti Clean-Up pilot project to remove graffiti from buildings and structures in downtown Whitehorse.
Over the past year and a half, the departments of Justice and Health and Social Services, the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce, the City of Whitehorse and the RCMP have been working together on a crime prevention strategy focused on empowering businesses to better protect themselves from crime. The Graffiti Clean-Up project is a result of this collaborative partnership.
"We all share a responsibility for ensuring our community is a safe and vibrant place to live," Justice Minister Marian C. Horne said. "This project is a good example of several agencies coordinating efforts while exploring ways to address a current community crime issue."
Two youth will be employed by the Youth of Today Society to remove graffiti in the downtown area from July 16 to August 17. The Youth of Today Society will work closely with the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce to identify the locations for clean-up.
"Many chamber members have been struggling to address the ongoing issue of graffiti over the past number of months," Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce President Rick Karp said. "We have been listening to those concerns and are actively working with our partners to identify solutions that will work."
Information from other communities battling graffiti indicates that swift and consistent removal of graffiti is a promising way to combat its spread. Many Whitehorse businesses and organizations have already been working hard to remove graffiti from their property. This pilot project is intended to provide an opportunity to share information and to develop a coordinated approach in removing and preventing graffiti.
"Youth in our community are interested in being a part of addressing crime and social issues," Vicki Durrant, executive director of the Youth of Today Society, said. "This project will provide another opportunity for Whitehorse youth to contribute positively to our community."
All three partners will work together to assess the results of this project and to develop appropriate next steps.
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Contact: |
Dan Cable Department of Justice (867) 667-3508 dan.cable@gov.yk.ca |
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Rick Karp Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce (867) 667-7545 president@whitehorsechamber.ca |