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Saint Andrews Considers Ending Ban on Skateboarding Downtown
Saint Andrews Town Council is looking to bring forward a repeal by-law to the use of skateboards, scooters, and inline skates in the Historic Business District.
"Several years ago, the council of the day put in a skateboarding by-law to prevent the use of skateboards, scooters, and rollerblades in the historical business district," explained the Town's Chief Administrative Officer Chris Spear for context during the second April town council meeting for Saint Andrews. "Primarily, this by-law was introduced as for safety purposes, and it has been enforced since then. And also since that time, a skateboarding park has been added to the town near the youth centre as well as new community trails throughout town to create a safe and designated spaces for skateboarding and the like."
CAO Spear went on to explain, however, that one town councillor believes this by-law to prohibit skateboarding, scooting and blading downrown is out-dated and unjust and requires changing.
"In these days of active transportation, Councillor Kurt Gumushel feels that is almost discriminatory and doesn't encourage kids in particular to be active," said Spear. "As long as they are being careful, those modes of transportation shouldn't be discouraged. The town staff has expressed concern that there are many businesses where patrons go from door to sidewalk and could be run in to during busy times, and there are also bricked sections of sidewalk that could catch a wheel and cause an accident. Staff is recommending that we do not repeal the by-law, but it is up to council."
The repeal is being proposed to move to First Reading on May 2, 2022 with a Public Hearing of Objections for May 16, 2022.
"I am very concerned for tourists and seniors if this is repealed," said Deputy Mayor Kate Akagi. "Who is responsible if someone wipes out or takes someone out with their scooter or skateboard downtown? Is the town responsible? And as I turn into a senior myself, I can concerned for my own safety. I am not voting for this to go through."
The town is seeking input from residents and business owners before moving to First Reading.
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