Graffiti fine decrease rejected

A Calgary council committee voted to keep a $5,000 graffiti fine despite a recommendation by the head of bylaw services to lower it.

Bill Bruce had suggested the penalty be cut to $1,500 because the $5,000 fine is too high and unenforceable, especially for first-time offenders.

Bruce said prosecutors were struggling with the high fine against people who likely wouldn't be able to pay it.

But Ald. John Mar, who opposed the change, said on Wednesday lowering the fine would make it look like the city was getting soft on crime.

"Absolutely the recommendation today was about weakening the city of Calgary's position," he said. "Right now, this is a situation that is an epidemic for our citizens."

The city spends more than $3 million to clean up graffiti on public property each year. But the majority of graffiti vandals are under 18, and face a maximum fine of $1,000 because of their age.