Davie James says it was a good experience for Skateboard Association members to see council supporting their community efforts. (Kevin Kyle/CHAT News)

By Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

Medicine Hat council reconfirms two-year grant commitment to Skateboard Association’s Beat the Heat

Jan 16, 2024 | 9:27 AM

City council on Monday confirmed a December decision to give the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association two years of funding for its Beat the Heat festival.

Council had already approved a pair of $19,000 grants for the Skateboard Association for 2024 and 2025 at a December council meeting.

Last night, city staff suggested moving the association’s funding from a two-year grant to a one-year grant in-line with Canada Day funding for other initiatives.

Staff wanted to free up funds for a variety of different options beyond the Stampede, which has also received funding on a one year grant, and Beat the Heat.

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Coun. Ramona Robins said she wanted to stick to the original plan.

Coun. Ramona Robins says it was important city council stuck to its original plan for funding Beat the Heat for two years. (Kevin Kyle/CHAT News)

“I didn’t want to go back on what we had said in December, there was no need to do that,” Robins told CHAT News.

“They need to plan for the future. And so the changes made to the community grant funding were to have these two year grants so that people who are preparing large festivals have a lot of time to understand how much money they have, and some sustainable funding.”

On Dec. 19, council had awarded the skateboarders with one of those two-year grants.

About 57 Skateboard Association members, of varying ages, watched from the council’s public gallery Monday.

Many of them recently returned from a humanitarian trip to build a house in Mexico.

Association secretary Davie James said it was important for the skateboarders to see they impact can have in the community.

“To take them to something like this, where they could see council acknowledge all the hard work that’s been put into these festivals,” James said.

“It’s just a huge win. It’s just refreshing.”