Report Litter or Graffiti in Montréal - City Bylaws

Parks and Public Spaces Quebec 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Quebec

In Montréal, Quebec, public littering and graffiti are handled as municipal cleanliness and public-space matters. This guide explains how to report litter or graffiti in parks, sidewalks and other public spaces, which municipal office enforces the rules, and the practical steps to file a complaint or request removal.

Use 311 for non-emergency reports or online forms where available.

Penalties & Enforcement

Montréal delegates enforcement for littering, illegal dumping and graffiti to municipal by-law enforcement units and the city 311 reporting system. Specific monetary fines and graduated penalties are not consistently summarized on the public reporting pages; amounts and escalation rules are not specified on the cited page(s). [2]

The typical enforcement framework includes inspection, orders to clean or remove, administrative tickets, and prosecution in municipal courts when compliance is not met. The city also arranges removal services for some graffiti in municipal rights-of-way and on public assets; private property removal may require an owner request or permit.

  • Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and 311 intake units, with follow-up by relevant borough services.
  • Complaint pathway: call 311 or file an online request through the city 311 portal.[1]
  • Appeals: municipal court or specified review process; exact time limits and appeal steps are not specified on the cited page(s).
  • Defences/discretion: officers may consider permits, ongoing municipal works, or evidence of recent clean-up; explicit defences are not detailed on the city reporting pages.
If you see an immediate public-safety hazard, call emergency services rather than 311.

Applications & Forms

Most reports use the city 311 complaint/request form or phone service; there is no universal paper application for routine litter or graffiti removal published on the main reporting pages. For specific permits (e.g., murals or sanctioned public art) the borough or cultural services publish separate permit forms when required; consult the borough’s dedicated page or cultural service for application names and fees.

How to Report Litter or Graffiti

  1. Identify the location: nearest address or clear landmark, park name, and orientation (north/south side, etc.).
  2. Take photos: capture clear images of the litter/dump or graffiti, including any identifying marks or repeated tagging.
  3. Report via 311 online or by phone; provide location, description, photos and request removal.
  4. If you are a property owner seeking compensation or contesting a ticket, follow the instructions on the ticket or contact the borough’s by-law office for forms and deadlines.

FAQ

Who do I call to report graffiti on a public bench or park wall?
Use 311 or the city’s online reporting portal and select graffiti or vandalism for public assets; provide photos and location. [1]
Are there fines for littering or illegal dumping?
Municipal fines and penalties are enforced under city by-laws, but specific amounts and escalation rules are not stated on the general reporting pages cited here. [2]
Will the city remove graffiti from private property?
The city may remove graffiti from public property and some private façades depending on programs and owner requests; property owners should consult borough services for options and any required authorization.

How-To

  1. Prepare: note exact location and take at least one clear photo of the problem.
  2. Contact 311 by phone or file an online service request; attach photos and precise location details.
  3. Follow up: note the request number, monitor the response timeframe, and contact the borough by-law office if there is no response within the expected period.
  4. Appeal or dispute: if you receive a ticket and wish to dispute it, follow the instructions on the ticket to request a review or appear in municipal court.

Key Takeaways

  • Report quickly with clear location and photos to speed removal.
  • By-law enforcement and borough services handle inspections and orders.
  • Use 311 for non-emergency municipal requests.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Montréal - 311 reporting and online service requests
  2. [2] City of Montréal - Municipal bylaws and regulations

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