Report Litter & Graffiti - London, Ontario Bylaws

Parks and Public Spaces Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, public littering and graffiti removal are governed by municipal bylaws and enforced by the City’s By-law Enforcement unit. This guide explains how to report incidents in parks and other public spaces, who enforces the rules, expected penalties, and practical steps for residents and property owners to get issues addressed promptly. Use the official reporting channels to create a record and, when relevant, request removal or enforcement action.

Overview

London’s municipal rules assign responsibility for keeping streets, parks and public spaces free of litter and vandalism. When you report graffiti or litter, the city or the property owner may be required to clean or face enforcement measures. Reports help municipal crews, contractors, or enforcement officers respond and document recurring problems.

How to Report

Report incidents promptly through the City of London’s official reporting pages or by contacting By-law Enforcement. Include location, description, and photos where safe to do so.

  • Use the City reporting form or service request for graffiti and litter to start a ticket [1].
  • Contact By-law Enforcement for repeat or escalated problems [2].
  • Take clear photos, note the exact location and time, and keep any evidence for follow-up.
Photographs and exact locations speed response and increase the chance of enforcement.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the City of London’s By-law Enforcement team or other designated municipal staff. Specific fine amounts and escalation rules are set out in the applicable municipal bylaws and enforcement notices; when a precise figure is not shown on the cited page, this guide notes that the amount is "not specified on the cited page" and provides the official source for confirmation.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the controlling bylaw or enforcement notice for the exact current fines.[2]
  • Escalation: information on first, repeat or continuing offences is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders to remove graffiti or litter, municipal abatement (city cleans and charges owner), and court prosecution are enforcement pathways.
  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and designated municipal crews; use the official complaint/report links to trigger inspection and follow-up.[2]
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal routes and time limits are those specified in the controlling bylaw or the Provincial Offences process; if not listed on the cited page, it is "not specified on the cited page" and applicants should consult the bylaw or contact By-law Enforcement for deadlines.
  • Defences or discretion: municipal officers may exercise discretion for reasonable excuse, or where a permit or variance applies; details depend on the bylaw language and are not fully specified on the cited page.
If you receive a compliance order, act quickly—municipal abatement charges can be added to property tax accounts.

Applications & Forms

To report graffiti or request removal, use the City’s online report form or service request process. No specific separate application for a graffiti removal permit is published on the cited pages; where a formal application form exists it will appear on the City website or By-law Enforcement pages.[1]

Common Violations

  • Illegal dumping or leaving household waste in parks or public rights-of-way.
  • Graffiti on public benches, walls, transit shelters, or playground equipment.
  • Accumulation of litter on private properties that creates a public nuisance.

Action Steps

  • Document the issue: date, time, location and photos.
  • File a report via the City’s graffiti or service request page [1].
  • Follow up with By-law Enforcement for repeat problems or if a compliance order appears necessary [2].
  • If charged, review the notice for appeal instructions and deadlines; contact the City for clarification.

FAQ

Who is responsible for removing graffiti in public parks?
The City manages graffiti removal on municipal property; privately owned property is generally the owner’s responsibility unless the City issues a compliance order.
How long does the City take to respond to a report?
Response times vary by priority and workload; the City’s report page shows typical timelines or case status after you submit a service request.
Can I request reimbursement for graffiti removal on private property?
Reimbursement policies are set by municipal programs if available; consult By-law Enforcement for current programs or exceptions.

How-To

  1. Identify and safely photograph the graffiti or litter, noting exact location and any identifying details.
  2. Go to the City of London reporting page and complete the online service request form to log the issue.[1]
  3. If the problem is urgent or recurring, call By-law Enforcement to request an inspection.[2]
  4. If ordered to remove, arrange removal promptly or respond to the compliance notice to avoid municipal abatement charges.
  5. If you receive a ticket or order, follow the notice instructions to appeal or pay within the stated deadline.

Key Takeaways

  • Report quickly with photos to create an official record and speed response.
  • By-law Enforcement handles inspections and may issue orders or fines when responsible parties do not act.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London — By-law Enforcement
  2. [2] City of London — Report graffiti or vandalism

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