NDG scales back graffiti fine plan

Notre-Dame-de-Grce is scaling backa controversial plan to fine property owners who don't quickly clean up graffiti.

The proposal, part of a new borough by-law tackling vandalism, could have seen allpropertyowners fined up to $1,000 if they let tags and other graffiti accumulate on their buildings.

The plan drew criticism from some residents and business owners. They said fining those who are already the victims of vandalism would be unfair.

The borough now says it will pay to erase the tags for small buisness and residential properties.

But councillor Susan Clarke stopped short of calling the fines a bad idea.

"Cities that succeed in making [it] clean tend to have rules that require removal," she said.

The graffiti by-law is still in the planning stages.

The borough council expects to approve it by November.