CALGARY – Mysterious markings have shown up throughout Calgary’s core in the last few days, with “WhyWhyC” painted on various surfaces on 17 Avenue, near the Peace Bridge and at Olympic Plaza. The graffiti is a play on the familiar “yyc” label for Calgary, but it’s caused the city to launch an investigation that could result in charges.
“Our bylaw officers are currently assessing what type of material was used in the creation of the markings and who is behind the markings,” said bylaw spokesperson Carissa Vescio. “Once we are able to determine those two things we will then decide whether or not we give a warning or a fine to the person.”
The below video posted to Facebook shows someone in the act of writing “WhyWhyC” but a message to the person who uploaded the video wasn’t returned.
Social media experts are stumped, but suggested it might be a pet project of “The Social Summit,” a social media marketing event coming to the city in November.
Social media company Viral In Nature’s Shawn Alain called the stunt “very grassroots.”
“They’re building up hype so that it does work in that sort of viral marketing way,” said Alain.
The buzz has spread to Edmonton, where users took to Twitter after a version for that city started popping up.
With a federal election around the corner, some wonder if it could be connected. Others suggested it could be in support of CBC after cuts to the public broadcaster’s budget was blamed for a slew of recent layoffs. CBC did not respond to Global News requests for comment.
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