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Hate graffiti

Hate graffiti is motivated by hate, bias or prejudice, based on race, nationality, ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientations, or any similar factor.

Offensive graffiti

Offensive graffiti is generalized as being obscene or offensive in nature such as but not limited to, swear words or sexual drawings, and is not hate based.

Vandalism graffiti

Vandalism based graffiti includes writing, painting or etching a symbol or "tag" that may or may not contain letters and is not considered offensive or hate based graffiti, and is made without permission or consent from the property owner.

Report problem graffiti

Don’t ignore problem graffiti – report it! You can create a service request to report graffiti on public and private property.

  • Public property and assets include City of Ottawa property, utility boxes, schools, National Capital Commission and other government property, newspaper vending boxes and railways.
  • Private property includes residential housing, businesses, commercial and industrial buildings.

Hate graffiti

For all locations, please call Hate Graffiti, Ottawa Police: 613 236-1222 immediately.

Offensive or vandalism graffiti

Offensive or vandalism graffiti can be reported by calling 3-1-1 or online:

Graffiti on OC Transpo property

OC Transpo property includes buses, trains, bus stops, bus shelters, benches, garages, or OC Transpo administrative buildings.

While performing City maintenance operations, City equipment may sometimes damage lawns and/or roadside mailboxes.

If your lawn was damaged during winter road maintenance operations, you may report the situation to the City at anytime. The City will investigate these reports in early Spring, once the snow and ice has melted. Areas determined by the City to have been damaged by city vehicles will subsequently be scheduled for repair using topsoil and seed.

If your mailbox was damaged during City maintenance operations, the City will investigate and respond.

You will be required to provide:

  • The street name and number or street name and intersection

Report property damage by city vehicle

Basement flooding can happen for many reasons. The City can help identify the cause. If the problem is related to the sewer main, it will be fixed as soon as possible.  

Report basement flooding 

Please note, requests are typically actioned within three hours to determine if a site visit is required. Response time is subject to change based on active weather events and associated request volumes.  

If you are experiencing a basement flood, the City recommends the following: 

  • Be safe! If the flood water has reached a plug, electrical outlet, extension cord or any electrical or gas-fired appliance, contact your utility providers for assistance. Visit Ottawa Public Health’s Residential Flooding page for additional ways to stay safe during a flood.  

  • Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurer will be able to advise you regarding standard clean-up and claims procedures.  

For more information, visit the City’s Basement flooding page.