Your spray paint motion is a bit much, Victoria

Good morning from the island — we're still here, the orcas were spotted at Active Pass, and honestly, life is fine. Well, here's the thing. Our beloved city council is at it again, and this time, the target is spray paint. Yes, you heard that right. A Victoria councillor has tabled a motion that would restrict the sale of spray paint, all in the name of curbing graffiti. It makes you wonder, doesn't it, what problem we're truly trying to solve when we focus on the tools rather than, say, the canvas itself?

### The Core of the Issue

This isn't just about a can of paint; it's about a philosophical approach to civic beautification, or perhaps, the lack thereof. The motion suggests that by limiting access to spray paint, we'll somehow magically eliminate unsightly tags around town. What does this mean for our local artists, for those who use it for legitimate purposes? It feels a bit like trying to stop the tide with a teacup, doesn't it?

* The motion aims to reduce graffiti by restricting spray paint sales.

* It would impact local artists and legitimate users of the product.

* The effectiveness of such a ban on actual graffiti reduction is, shall we say, debatable.

Now, I understand the desire to keep our streets looking tidy, especially in places like James Bay, where the roses are practically a municipal treasure, or along the Inner Harbour, where tourists expect postcard perfection. But Beacon Hill Park, for all its wild beauty and roaming peacocks, also has its rough edges, and sometimes, that's part of its charm. Are we really going to tell the hardware stores on Fort Street what they can and cannot sell, all to chase down a few tags? It seems a rather... post-haste solution to a problem that might need a bit more nuance. What happens when the deer decide to spray paint their antlers? Just kidding. Mostly.

It's a conversation worth having, but perhaps with a broader brushstroke, if you'll pardon the pun. For Victoria residents, this could mean an inconvenience for hobbies, or perhaps just another layer of bureaucracy in a city that already has its fair share.

Agnes out.

You know, the MiTL crew on the morning show probably has some thoughts on this – catch their take at mornings.live.