Report Litter & Graffiti in Surrey Parks - Bylaw
Surrey, British Columbia expects public spaces and parks to be safe, accessible and clean. This guide explains what counts as litter or graffiti in parks, which city office enforces bylaws, the practical steps to report incidents, and what to expect from enforcement and follow-up. Use the city reporting tool below to submit location details and photos so By-law Enforcement can investigate and, where applicable, arrange removal or pursuance of enforcement action.
What to report
Report visible litter that creates health or safety risks (large accumulations, hazardous waste), graffiti on park infrastructure (shelters, benches, signage), or deliberate dumping. Note time, exact location and any identifiers like nearby landmarks.
- Photograph the scene from a safe distance to document extent and context.
- Record the date, time and exact park name or GPS coordinates where possible.
- Note if the material appears hazardous (sharps, chemicals) and keep the public away.
How to report
Use the City of Surrey online report tool to submit litter or graffiti complaints; include photos and location details so staff can triage and assign removal or investigation. For urgent hazards, call the city contact number listed in Resources rather than using the online form.
Report a problem to the City of Surrey[1]
- Prepare photos, park name, nearest address or coordinates and note any public safety risks.
- Submit the online report via the city portal and attach photos; choose the relevant category (graffiti, litter/dumping, hazardous waste).
- If immediate danger exists, call the municipal non-emergency phone line or 911 for life-safety risks.
- Keep the reference number from the report and follow up if the issue is not resolved within published service timelines.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement responsibility for littering, illegal dumping and graffiti in Surrey parks is managed by the City of Surrey By-law Enforcement and Park Services. Specific penalty amounts for litter and graffiti are not specified on the cited city reporting page; consult By-law Enforcement for exact fines and bylaw sections.
Enforcement options include tickets, removal orders, remediation orders to responsible parties, and referral to Provincial courts for serious or repeated offences. Time limits for appeals or dispute of tickets are set out on the ticket or notice and must be followed to preserve appeal rights; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary orders: remediation or removal orders are used to require cleanup.
- Escalation: first offences may result in warnings or tickets; repeat or continuing offences can lead to court prosecution or higher penalties—details not specified on the cited page.
- Enforcer: City of Surrey By-law Enforcement and Park Services handle investigations and compliance actions.
Applications & Forms
The city accepts reports through its online Report a Problem tool; there is no separate permit or special application required to report litter or graffiti. If a remediation order targets a property owner, the owner may be given a form or direction by By-law Enforcement; specific form names or fees are not published on the city report page.
FAQ
- Who enforces litter and graffiti rules in Surrey parks?
- The City of Surrey By-law Enforcement team, coordinated with Park Services, enforces littering, dumping and graffiti removal.
- Can I report anonymously?
- The online report form allows you to provide contact information or remain anonymous; including contact details helps enforcement follow up.
- How long does removal take?
- Response times vary by priority and workload; the city portal will give an estimated response after submission or you can follow up with the listed contact.
How-To
- Identify and document the exact park location with photos and notes.
- Use the City of Surrey online report tool to submit the complaint and attach images.
- For hazardous material or immediate safety risk, call the municipal non-emergency line or 911 if life-safety is at risk.
- Save the report reference number and follow up with By-law Enforcement if the issue remains unresolved after the city’s stated timelines.
Key Takeaways
- Document location and photos before submitting a report.
- Use the City of Surrey Report a Problem tool for fastest routing.
- Contact By-law Enforcement for follow-up on unresolved or urgent issues.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Surrey - By-law Enforcement
- City of Surrey - Parks, Recreation & Culture
- City of Surrey - Report a Problem