Aug 13, 2010 | By-laws, Skateboarding
A lot of you might be wondering, “What does CASE actually do?”
Besides posting information, photos, and videos related to skateboarding in Calgary, we’ve been doing a lot of behind the scenes stuff.
We meet monthly and set objectives– both short term and long term. Our short term goals are things like keeping the website updated and setting up events. Long term goals are getting more parks.
One big thing we’ve been working on is an indoor park. We spent a lot of time putting together a proposal, in conjunction with the Inglewood Community Association. The proposal was submitted about two weeks ago so we’re waiting to hear back now. Check back for updates here.
CASE is also working closely with the City of Calgary on the upcoming “skateboard strategy” put forward by alderman Joe Connelly. Our goal is to catch up to other cities like Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and countless others who have a network of skateparks, both large destination parks and small skate spots.
The skateboard strategy also promises to examine the city bylaw that prohibits ramps on private property. It’s CASE’s objective to get this law taken off the books so anyone is free to build a ramp in their back yard.
We’re an association of volunteers with a common goal– promoting skateboarding. If you’ve picked up one of our T-shirts, came out to any of our events, or even mentioned CASE to some of your friends, thanks for your support. We hope to be updating you on some big developments soon.
Jun 21, 2010 | By-laws, Photos, Skateboarding, Skateparks
Thanks to all the sponsors and everyone who came out to Millennium Park for Go Skateboarding Day. The weather cooperated and the park was busy. Congratulations to all the “best trick” winners who ripped all day long in the hot sun.
Special thanks to Alderman Joe Connelly for not only making the event possible, but for backing it up by showing up at the skatepark.
Today was potentially a huge day in Calgary. A motion was passed by the City of Calgary to develop a “city-wide skateboard strategy”. That means that the City will perform a study to determine if more skateparks are needed and examine the bylaw that prohibits ramps on private property. CASE believes that more skateparks are needed; having a medium-sized park in each quadrant of the City would take a lot of pressure off crowded Millennium Park, therefore making it safer for everyone.
Here are some news stories about today’s motion:
Calgary Sun
Calgary Herald
Jun 15, 2010 | By-laws, Skateboarding
All aspects of Skateboarding in Calgary are restricted by City policies and bylaws that unfairly and unreasonably restrict skateboarding as a healthy, environmentally friendly, fun activity. On Monday June 21st, Go Skateboarding Day, Alderman Joe Connelly is presenting a notice of motion to council seeking their support for two initiatives:
- The development of a City of Calgary Skateboarding strategy – a process that should see more skateparks and skate friendly laws and policies
- The amendment of the land use bylaw to allow backyard skate ramps under certain conditions just like any other structure
Calgary Skateboarding Needs Your Help NOW!
If this motion is to have a chance to succeed The Calgary Skate Community must let every alderman and the Mayor know how much they support it. Show your support in two ways:
- Write an email to council – see directions below
- Forward this email to EVERYONE you know who skates, is a fan of skateboarding, or who is a supporter of a skateboarder so they can join the email campaign
Email Directions:
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Apr 23, 2010 | By-laws, Skateboarding
Back in October we told you about a north west Calgary family who had received an order from by-law officers to remove their backyard skate ramp because it violated Calgary’s no ramp bylaw (Land Use Bylaw 4.27mb PDF). We’re kinda slow but it is time for us to give you an update on the Collins’ appeal of the removal order.
Jeff watching son Jack skate their ramp
Back on January 14th Jeff Collins formally appealed the removal order, appearing before the development appeal board. Jeff laid out his case that the ramp was not noisy and had in fact been in place for three years without incident. Collins informed the board that Calgary stands alone in Canadian cities with it’s outright ban on backyard ramps and that skateboarding is part of the active healthy lifestyle that the City of Calgary and others promote so vigorously. Having made his case before the board as best he could without the help of anyone like Ben Matlock, Mr. Collins had to wait a further two weeks until January 28th to hear the verdict for the ramp that he and son Jack love to skate.
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Apr 11, 2010 | By-laws, Skateboarding, Skateparks
Thanks to everyone who came out to the clean up on Saturday. Lots of people cleaned up lots of garbage in a short period of time. Unfortunately, by-law officers ordered us to stop pretty quickly into the day.
We were told that we would be fined $500 for setting up a tent in a public park without a permit and giving out free stuff in a public park.
It’s unfortunate that bureaucracy gets in the way of fun events that are beneficial to everyone but that’s the way it goes sometimes.
Nov 9, 2009 | By-laws, Skateboarding
After talking to some folks from the City, it appears the letters that have been sent recently regarding the ramp bylaw and getting more parks are getting through. The higher-ups at the City are starting to take notice and they are beginning to realize that something needs to be done to change skateboarding in Calgary. Keep the letters to the Mayor, Aldermen, and MLAs coming and keep them positive!
