Public Places

Graffiti

What is graffiti? Is it vandalism or is it art? It’s vandalism. Graffiti is defined as writings, drawings or symbols applied to any surface without the consent of the property owner, authorized agent, or designate.

The act of graffiti, or tagging, is punishable under the Criminal Code of Canada, as well as the Community Standards Bylaw 21/010. If convicted, taggers could face imprisonment or monetary fine. Contact the RCMP if you witness someone in the act of tagging.

Reporting graffiti

If you spot graffiti on public property, be sure to let us know by calling PULSE. Our goal is to have Parks attend to the graffiti within two business days.

Graffiti removal

Graffiti removal on private property is the responsibility of the owner. Call PULSE for advice from subject matter experts on removing graffiti from your property and to receive a graffiti removal kit.

Harassment

Harassment is not tolerated in public places. 

What is harassment?

It's any single incident or repeated incidents of objectionable or unwelcome conduct, comment, bullying or action that causes offence or humiliation, or adversely affects an individual's health and safety, based on the protected grounds as established under the Alberta Human Rights Act.

Fighting / Public Disturbances

Fighting or other physical confrontation in any public place is strictly prohibited and comes with a costly penalty of $500 and potential criminal charges from the RCMP.

Smoking & Cannabis

In July 2018, the Smoking and Vaping Bylaw No. 18/022 was adopted to regulate smoking and vaping in public places, workplaces, and public transportation vehicles and property.

• Smoking tobacco or vaping is not permitted in any designated public dwelling or within ten meters of any entrance/exit within the Municipality regardless of whether or not a “No Smoking” sign is posted.
• Smoking cannabis is not permitted to be consumed in public, much like with how alcohol consumption is treated.
• Smoking in any public transportation vehicle is not permitted.
• Smoking butts are to be disposed in ashtrays and never to be discarded on the ground or out a vehicle window.

Shopping Carts

Abandoned shopping carts create potential hazards and interfere with pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The Community Standards Bylaw was amended by Council to set standards for managing shopping carts, and the support of businesses implementing these standards is needed.

Signage

Signage must be prominently displayed stating that shopping carts cannot be removed from a business and its parking area.  In addition, each cart must have a business name printed, painted or stamped so that ownership can be easily identified.  

Collecting abandoned carts

Once an abandoned cart is tagged and businesses are notified by Bylaw Services, they will have 48 hours to collect the cart.  

If your cart has been moved and you cannot find it in the location identified by Bylaw Services, please notify us at 780-743-7000. 

Any carts not collected will be held for 30 days. If not claimed, they will be disposed of at the landfill.