Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML / SD33 manager of facilities Mark Klassen told the Chilliwack Public Safety Advisory Committee at its meeting on April 19 that a youth was charged $1,600 for graffiti damage done to a washroom, according to minutes from the meeting. Minutes from the meeting indicate SD33 staff are setting a precedent and hoping this type of learning experience teaches youth about consequences.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

SD33 charges youth $1,600 for graffiti

Youth charged $1,600 for graffiti damage to SD33 washroom

May 2, 2023 | 1:36 PM

CHILLIWACK — A youth committed an apparent act of vandalism at an undisclosed school in Chilliwack that resulted in a fine of $1,600 levied against the juvenile.

According to minutes from the Public Safety Advisory Committee attached to Tuesday’s Chilliwack City Council meeting, Mark Klassen, manager of facilities for SD33, advised the committee that a youth had been charged $1,600 for graffiti damage to a washroom.

The minutes summarizing Klassen’s comments state the following: “Graffiti – Youth was charged $1,600 to repair damage of a washroom. Staff are setting a precedent and hoping this type of learning experience teaches youth about consequences.”

Other notes from the committee, which met on Wednesday, April 19, indicate there have been three fires at McCammon Elementary, ongoing issues at Watson Elementary, and 287 individuals on school property to date this school year, including 10 repeat individuals. Resource cards are being handed out.

Image: Screenshot, City of Chilliwack / Minutes from the Public Safety Advisory Committee meeting on April 19, 2023 pertaining to SD33.

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It’s not immediately clear what is meant by “resource cards.” An email was sent to Klassen on Tuesday seeking comment.

Minutes from the PSAC meeting held on March 15 indicate Klassen told the committee that identification of youth vandalizing school property is ongoing and SD33 staff are dealing with it internally.

The previous month, Klassen told the committee on February 15 that instances of graffiti have increased on SD33 properties. An individual has been identified and would be dealt with accordingly.