Graffiti on Lakeshore Drive costly to remove

Cold Lake, AB – Graffiti concerns along the Lakeshore Drive seawall were a topic of discussion at the latest City Council meeting.

Concerns were brought forward to the City of Cold Lake about the graffiti painted along the wall, close to the shoreline. To date, 18 graffiti locations have been identified, including three new locations reported during remediation efforts.

“Spray paint is difficult to remove from the raw steel,” said Mayor Bob Mattice. “We have to paint over the graffiti, which is proving to be time-consuming, costly, and detract from the aesthetics of the wall.”

Staff have been working to paint over the graffiti, but more continued to appear. The City of Cold Lake has had to order more paint supplies before able to continue remediation.

“Graffiti on the seawall is heart-breaking to see,” said Mattice. “The whole area is meant to be a place to enjoy beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature. This graffiti detracts from the City’s efforts to enhance the lakeshore as a recreational and tourism destination.”

Between paint, supplies, and labour, the estimated cost to remediate the seawall is currently over $2,500 in supplies, and if the graffiti continues, will continue to rise.

If residents see anyone committing graffiti or other acts of vandalism within the City, they are asked to call Municipal Enforcement at 780-594-1345.

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