Roller Skating Empty Promises

When I was a teenager in the 1970’s, roller skating had experienced a revival of sorts. In London Ontario, there were a couple of abandoned Wharehouses or grocery stores that were converted into large arena setups with disco balls and massive sound systems.

It was similar to going bowling because anyone could go and use their rental skates.

Okay… did I mention that even in the 1970’s it was considered “retro”?

Our Council, through their events staff were able to re-live their memories this summer by providing Wasaga Beach with our very own Roller Palace. Where? Well it was/ is in the parking lot on Main Street, beside the archives.

This was NOT a well thought out decision and it demonstrates to the public, the hypocrisy of our decision makers yet again.

When the previous Council shut down the temporary trailer designed market because the plywood trailers were rotting, they were criticized (by members of the current council and their supporters).

One attempt at embarrassing Council was to criticize their decision to ignore offers from a local developer to purchase these rotting sheds. But here in 2024, the same developer donates a rotting street hockey arena to the town to create their version of a roller skating experience and it is applauded by those very people.

So, let’s ask a few questions now that this “tourist attraction” is in place and the marketing plan has unfolded.

Because the floor was apparently rotting away, it was removed and the rink was converted to simply be the boards, creating a fenced off section of a paved parking lot. (Pavement is not as smooth as the cement most people roller skate on)

Would those who have invested in the retro sport of roller skating risk their expensive roller skates on parking lot asphalt? I think the lack of use of the roller palace answers that.

How much staff time and how much taxpayer money was spent to move, modify and advertise this feature venue of our 50 year celebration?

How many parking spaces were forfeited to accommodate this parking lot roller rink?

What would be the estimated lost revenue from these spaces be when our Mayor is busy promoting this as a record tourism year?

I understand a few families did use the venue during the advertised events weekend, but at what cost to taxpayers?

I have driven past this poor decision hundreds of times since it was installed and not once have I seen people using it for its intended purpose.

What are the plans for maintaining this new town asset? Will it be moved indoors in the fall to protect it from the harsh winter elements that contributed to its current state of repair?

I did notice upon close examination the other day as I drove past, that the hockey boards set up in the parking lot did have one thing in common with our elected council.

Whether it was the street lights or the moonlight shining down and lighting up its interior, I noticed it too was filled with empty promisses.