ABOVE: Welcome to Stittsville, early 2015. Photo by Joe Newton.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: We’ve been wondering for a while if that “Welcome To Stittsville” graffiti on Stittsville Main Street was intentional or an act of vandalism. While it’s a nice message, the artistic execution leaves a lot to be desired. Devyn Barrie made some calls and came up with an answer.)
One local business tormented for years by graffiti is hoping for a permanent solution as it prepares to once again cover up an unwanted message on its property.
A concrete retaining wall beside the Harris law office has bore the greeting “Welcome to Stittsville” for at least a year now, but that’s not going to last forever.
Aubrey Harris tells StittsvilleCentral.ca the wall has been a graffiti magnet for around five years, usually with a more obscene message. Every year, she paints over it.
“I feel like I’m just giving them a new canvas,” said Harris.
The business of running a law office has prevented her from painting over the current message for some time, although she hopes to do it soon.
Graffiti isn’t the only annoyance for Harris – in the past the office lawn has been a popular gathering place, often leaving her to clean up beer bottles and cigarette butts left behind. She said that problem has been mostly stopped with the installation of a security camera, which she hopes will stop the graffiti as well. “I’m going to have to do something about it,” said Harris, “…maybe [put up] a sign that says there’s a camera here.”
In the meantime, Harris will get out the paint and cover up the graffiti once again.
(Devyn Barrie is a student at Sacred Heart High School and runs 960 News, a Stittsville blog and podcast.)