Political tour de force at SkatePark West

Community group squeezed to back of podium

Politicians turned out en masse for a backslapping affair at SkatePark West.

What was a grassroots community initiative became a political convention on Oct. 4, with politicians from the Province and City lining up for chance to praise each other.

Coun. Peter De Smedt (St. Charles) assumed the hosting duties and hinting this was his last public address, proceeded to praise inter-governmental co-operation.

“We have to cross political boundaries,” said De Smedt, while heaping praise on the provincial government.

“I don’t why I’m boosting the NDP.”

MLA Kerri Irvin-Ross (Fort Garry), the healthy living minister, complimented everyone involved in the project, particularly the City, before launching into a list of skating terminology aimed at the non-present kids.

“I look forward to seeing the kids grinding and working on their ollies,” said Irvin-Ross.

“What you don’t see is the work in the background,” she said, referring to joint City and provincial funding for getting the project off the ground.

MLA Jim Rondeau (Assiniboia), said the Province had chipped in roughly $100,000, $25,000 of which was used as “seed money” to get the park designed.

“I get excited when things like this happen,” said Rondeau.

Mayor Sam Katz used the event as a stop on the campaign trail, highlighting the contribution from his $43-million Recreation and Facility Program to promote healthy living.

SkatePark West received approximately $160,000 from the City, $100,000 of which came from that program, with the rest cobbled together from two Community Incentive Grants from De Smedt and Coun. Jae Eadie (St. James-Brooklands).

Katz then went on to thank De Smedt for his service as a councillor.

“All the citizens will miss you. I thank you and I will miss you immensely,” he said.

But one of the driving forces from the SkatePark West Committee was left to speak last.

Connie Newman was goaded by De Smedt and reluctantly took the podium.

The former school principal said she was grateful for their support.

“Thank you, we’re almost there,” said Newman in her brief appearance.

SkatePark West is located at the corner of Sturgeon Road and Silver Avenue and is due for completion by next spring.