CHAT File Photo

By Gates Guarin

Council will revisit in two weeks

Skateboard bylaw still up in the air

May 3, 2022 | 3:09 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Local skateboarders will have to wait just a little bit longer to know the fate of skating downtown.

The public roads bylaw was up for amendment at Monday’s city council meeting. The amendment proposes changes to add e-scooters as a form of transportation in the city, but also to repeal a bylaw which has stopped skateboarders from skating on sidewalks and roadways.

A presentation was made by members of the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association, as well as members of the skateboarding community. Chris Nickel, vice-president of the skateboard association says skaters have been waiting 18 years to have their voices heard, and wants the wording in the bylaw to be as clear as possible.

“If this isn’t done correctly, if the amendment isn’t done properly, if there’s improper wording in the fine print, if it’s just not the way it should be, we don’t want to wait another two decades to change this.” Nickel says. “It’s taken 18 years to get back to square one and I think it’s time to progress and I just don’t want this to be overlooked and then hastily make a decision.”

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Several councillors were tipping their hands in favour of the amendment, but want to make sure those who may be in opposition have their voices heard.

Coun. Shila Sharps says she intends on voting to repeal the bylaw, but wants businesses downtown to be consulted first.

“My issue is the execution, which is much your point,” Sharps says. “I want to see some really good engagement, especially on Third Street. I know a lot of businesses on Third Street are really anxious and I think it’s because they don’t know, so I think we just need some good conversations and need to meet you and understand.”

Speaking with CHAT News, Nickel says the time between council meetings is an opportunity to build an open line of communication by those who may have concerns about the bylaw.

“It was still a win. I mean, it was a unanimous vote, we had major support from all of the councillors,” Nickel says. “If we want inclusion, that means we need to include everybody who might be affected by the change in this bylaw or rescinding of it.”

Council passed the first reading and will be back on the docket at their next meeting in two weeks.