GENERAL COMMITTEE - COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
	TO:	Mayor and Members of Council
	FROM:	Barbara M. Roth, Director, Recreation & Culture Services
	PREPARED BY:	Glen Taylor, Manager, Community Centre Operations
	DATE OF MEETING:	2006-Jan-09
	SUBJECT:	Amendment to By-Law 279-96 – To Regulate the Conduct of Persons Using Town Owned Property Policy for Roller Shoes in Town Facilities

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the report entitled Amendment to By-Law 279-96 – To Regulate the Conduct of Persons Using Town Owned Property - Policy for Roller Shoes in Town Facilities be received;

AND that Council approve that patrons are not permitted to use “roller shoes” / “heelys” in Town facilities;

AND that existing signage is amended in all Town facilities to inform all users of the policy;

AND that the policy be advertised in the Recreation and Culture guide;

And that By-law 279-96, a by-law to regulate the conduct of persons using Town owned property, be amended to include a prohibition of the use of roller shoes / heelys;

And further that notice to the public be provided in accordance with By-law 2002-275, a by-law to prescribe the form and manner and times for the provision of reasonable notice.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to approve the amendment to the current policy to prohibit the use of “roller shoes” in town-owned facilities.

BACKGROUND:

A Facility Alert was sent to all municipalities from the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) regarding the use of “roller shoes” at Town facilities (see Appendix A).

What Are Roller Shoes? The latest of fads grabbing the attention of school aged children and young adults are athletic shoes with a wheel insert known as "Heelys" or Roller Shoes. "Heelys" is the brand name but they may also be referred to as "Heelys", "Wheelies" or "Roller Shoes" by some. Roller Shoes allow the rider immediate transition from walking and running to rolling simply by altering their stance. These are high quality street shoes that have a single removable wheel in the heel of each shoe. Roller shoes is the generic term used throughout this alert and suggested for any signage or facility policy.

Several school boards prohibit the use of "Roller Shoes" on school property and advise parents that they are a safety concern for students when used in crowded hallways. Some public buildings and shopping malls are also following suit by prohibiting or limiting their use when worn on the premises.

Although there have been few reported incidences or injuries (and none in Town facilities) there is a potential for risk in areas where the public gathers. Because "Roller Shoes" are not considered sporting equipment, protective equipment is often an oversight. Noticeable wear and tear on surface flooring and specialty courts may also come into play.

The Recreation and Culture Department is obligated to take reasonable measures to care for and protect its customers. We recommend that the use of such shoes be prohibited and that a notice be posted in the Town facilities and advertised in our Recreation and Culture Guide.

COMMENTS:

The Recreation and Culture Services Department is taking a proactive approach to ensure the safety of our patrons and to continue to deliver quality services through quality people.

INTER-DEPARTMENT IMPLICATIONS

Legal Department

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A – ORFA Facility Alert

(Copy available in the Clerks Department)

Barbara M. Roth, Director, Recreation and Culture Services

Jim Sales, Commissioner of Community and Fire Services

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