During a July 25, 2013, creative problem solving session with Pelham longboarders and their parents, concerned neighbours, the Niagara Regional Police, Pelham By-Law Enforcement, and Town Staff, the question of “How might we work with the community to ensure the safety of youth skate/longboarding on municipal streets?” was considered.
The session was prompted by complaints following the July 15, 2013, prohibition of longboarding along sections of Overholt Road, Shoalts Drive, Elizabeth Drive, and Effingham Street. Longboarding youth and their parents told the Town that they support the sport and want to have a designated area for it, while concerned residents told the Town they wanted their street included under the ban.
One of the many ideas that arose from the session was to periodically close Overholt Road and provide youth with a location to longboard safely. Nevertheless, no decision has been made by Council at this time and the matter will not be considered until the August 12, 2013 regular Council meeting.
“Council has not made any definitive decisions regarding closing Overholt to facilitate longboarding because we want to take the necessary time to consider all the options,” commented Deputy Mayor and Ward 1 Councillor Larry Clark. “We will wait to hear the youth’s recommendations on August 12th and will consider the views of residents and farmers in the area.”
Potential safety concerns regarding longboarding in Pelham were initially brought to Council’s attention by the Niagara Regional Police and Pelham By-Law Enforcement during Council’s meeting on July 15, 2013. Sensing an urgency to protect Pelham longboarders’ and skateboarders’ safety, Council effectively prohibited all such activities along sections of Overholt Road, Shoalts Drive, Elizabeth Drive, and Effingham Street.
“Council’s priority remains the safety of everyone in our community and we look forward to working towards the best solution for all,” added Deputy Mayor and Ward 1 Councillor Larry Clark.
For additional information, please contact:
Dave Augustyn, Mayor
(905) 892-2607 ext. 317
Larry Clark, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ward 1
(905) 892-1218
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