Graffiti clean continues with focus on downtown core

The Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre (CACPC) is once again inviting people to take part in their graffiti clean in the downtown area on August 16.

Jessica Bernard, program development coordinator with CACPC, said the focus on the downtown area is thanks to the sponsorship from the Downtown Business Association (DBA).

Bernard said the graffiti clean has always seen a great community response and the CACPC, who just celebrated their fifth year in Red Deer, plans to continue to run the events with the help of volunteers. 

With the help of CACPC summer students and DBA staff, Bernard said they map out areas that have been hardest hit in the downtown core where groups will be set up on the 16th to clean.

Of note, the graffiti clean is open to all ages, making it a perfect volunteer opportunity for youth under 15.

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“We’ve had 7-year-olds come out with their parents,” said Bernard.

A number of graffiti cleaning dates are scheduled throughout the warmer months including one during Crime Prevention Month (May). Bernard said they ran an extra one this year thanks to a request from the Kids Cancer Care Foundation, who was seeking volunteer opportunities in the area.

“We do [the graffiti clean] based on the broken windows theory. Basically people will treat an area as it’s indicated to be treated, so if it’s messy people think it’s okay to treat the property that way. So we encourage graffiti to be removed right away because if they see that the building is being cared for, they’re less likely to do it again.”

Bernard added that the graffiti clean is also important to help provide a sense of community pride.

“If you have a nice clean looking downtown more people are going to be drawn to it, they’re going to feel safer downtown.”

Businesses in the area are also very grateful for the help from the CACPC in removing the graffiti and Bernard said many of the cleaning groups are rewarded during their shifts with praise from neighbouring business owners and staff.

“It’s a great way to give back to the businesses in the community. I think the downtown is a great place to be and it’s a great way to encourage people to come downtown. Even to come and volunteer for the clean event and they get to see all the cool things about downtown that they wouldn’t otherwise see.”

People looking to volunteer can phone the CACPC at 403-986-9904 or email info@cacpc.ca before August 15.