By Lindsey Cole
The Oshawa Express

The east wall of the Kinsmen Stadium could have had a completely different look had some councillors had their way. During Monday night’s city c o u n c i l meeting, a recommendation was put forth that w o u l d endorse a program to permit ‘freestyle’ graffiti art at the stadium. This would be in consultation with the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and the Youth in Action Program. However, after some heated debate the idea was quickly squashed. To some councillors the writing was on the wall – so to speak.“I have a hard time justifying what good graffiti and bad graffiti is,” says Councillor Robert Lutczyk, adding he doesn’t want to explain to his son what this means, as graffiti shouldn’t be allowed period.“We need to draw a line in
the sand.” This recommendation comes on the heels of a proposed bylaw that would implement harsh restrictions for the sale of graffiti instruments to minors, like markers, spray paint and the like.

The matter has been tabled until the fall when council resumes. However, the recommendation
was brought forth by Councillor John Henry after discussing the idea with the Robert McLaughlin Gallery.“I was really proud to bring this forward,” he says. “We have the opportunity to take control of the type of graffiti that’s out there. If it works great, if not paint the walls.” C o u n c i l l o r April Cullen couldn’t agree more.“Some of it is very positive, very
creative. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”