Vancouver Skate Culture

Skateboarding has gone from being labelled a “slacker” pastime to an Olympic sport as of 2020. As a west coast city, Vancouver continues to play an important role in expanding skate culture into the mainstream. In fact, Vancouver is home to some of Canada’s oldest skateparks and skate shops.

Skateboard culture all began in California back in the ’50s, just down the coast. When waves were flat, surfers began “sidewalk surfing.” The sport was considered very taboo but somehow gained a cult-like following.

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In Vancouver, we are home to some of Canada’s oldest skateparks and skate shops. Often compared to California, B.C. is known for our laid-back vibes and West Coast spirit. With the mountains (full of snowboarders) and the ocean (for the surfers) framing our city, local thrill-seekers, were ready to try out the pavement.

Notably, Vancouver is quite liberal and has welcomed skaters by providing open public spaces like the downtown art gallery plaza, where skaters can socialize and skate without fear of authorities. Making Vancouver a global attraction for skateboard tourists and a home to many professional skaters.

In April 2003, the Vancouver city council passed a motion that city bylaws be amended to permit the use of skateboards and in-line skates on city streets. The bylaw also eliminated police authority to seize and detain skateboards, which was previously possible if skaters were caught trespassing.

In comparison to Toronto,

Traffic and Parking prohibits the use of skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates and similar devices on the roadway on streets where there are sidewalks, except for the purpose of crossing the road. (City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 950)

Now, Vancouver is looking to you for direction in developing Vancouver’s skate culture. “Vancouver CitySkate” is a long-term plan for creating and expanding skateboard facilities across Vancouver. City of Vancouver has posted a survey for the public, so that locals can map out where they want parks/spaces and have the facilities truly reflect Vancouver’s skate community.

The 2021 Olympics will be a huge step for skateboard culture. The previously stereotyped and judged sport will finally be legitimized, putting Vancouver on the map as a hub for competitions and events.

We should all be excited for the years to come, as one of the parents, or maybe aunt’s, of skateboard culture.

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