Media Archive - WINNIPEG INDOOR PARK

Several community groups in Winnipeg focused on the sport of skateboarding are raising funds to construct a new, indoor skate park, claiming the only indoor alternative is currently engaging in discriminatory practices. 

Morgan Modjeski reports for City News

With no other large indoor alternative in the city, adult skateboarders are cut off not just from the sport but also from their primary source of community during the winter. Given that many skaters rely on those social environments. for mental health, that loss can be devastating.

Melissa Martin reports for The Free Press

Up To Speed: Skate Coalition raising money for an inclusive indoor skate park in Winnipeg. Manitoba Skate Coalition member Gavin Barrett speaks about its necessity.

Faith Fundal reports for CBC

There are so many people reaching out to us wanting to support, so I have no doubt that we will be able to make a space available in hopefully the near future.

Charles Lefebvre reports for CTV

If those voices aren't a part of organizing the space, then I don't know that it's possible for those groups entering the space to feel safe.

Rachel Bergen reports for CBC

It's pretty clear across the board that employers cannot discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity in hiring, promoting, paying their employees.

Rachel Bergen reports for CBC

Wouldn't you laugh at a city like Winnipeg if no one could play hockey indoors? well of course you would, thats ridiculous.

Ace Burpee on Virgin Radio

The organization, which has received millions of dollars in government grants and other forms of financial assistance, requires staff to sign a faith statement.

John Longhurst for The Free Press

In a written statement to CBC News late Wednesday, Youth For Christ Winnipeg executive director Cliff Heide says the organization believes staff are "ministers of the gospel and as members of a religious order, we have an agreed-upon set of beliefs and behaviours that we follow," which includes beliefs on marriage and sexuality.

Rachel Bergen reports for CBC

Winter in Manitoba can last for six to eight months, which leaves little time for residents to enjoy outdoor summer activities. When sports and hobbies can’t happen in the snow, Winnipeggers will adapt by building infrastructure to enjoy things like rock climbing or soccer year-round. It’s a problem, however, when people can’t access or are excluded from that infrastructure. 

Maeve Smith reports for The Uniter

"I had concerns when I heard about the exclusionary policy,” she said. “It is in violation of their summer job attestation. It’s very clear. It quotes federal money should not be used to undermine or restrict the exercise of rights legally protected in Canada.

Kevin Rollason reports for The Free Press

For many, skating is a way of freedom, to forget about the daily problems we all face for a couple of hours whilst you hit the park with your friends. However, this isn’t the case for skaters in Winnipeg.

Lewis Kelly reports for Dose Skateboarding

The evangelical organization that runs Winnipeg’s largest indoor skate park has been accused of repeatedly discriminating against LGBTQ2S+ people—and local queer skaters have had enough. 

V.S Wells reports for Xtra Magazine

The member of parliament for Winnipeg Centre wants an investigation into the federal funding for a Winnipeg organization that allegedly discriminated against the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Charles Lefebvre reports for CTV

The $13.6-million, 53,000-square-foot centre is also home to a climbing wall and dance studio. It opened in 2012 on a promise to provide a space for Indigenous and other area youth. Governments provided roughly half the funding required to build the complex, with the City of Winnipeg contributing $2.6-million and a $500,000 land grant, and the federal government providing $3-million in matched funding.

Nancy Macdonald reports for The Globe And Mail

Members of Manitoba's skateboarding community hold a fundraiser for a new and inclusive skate park after the group says some of their member feel unwelcome at The Edge Skate park – owned by Youth for Christ. 

Temi Olatunde reports for City News Winnipeg