How Montreal skateboarders are fighting to save one of Canada’s largest DIY skateparks

Montreal skateboarders have rallied to protect a Do-It-Yourself skatepark known as Project 45 from what the city has said are plans to redevelop the space.

Skaters feared the worst when potential demolition was in the cards. But public outcry and a petition that’s garnered nearly 7,000 signatures has led to a positive turn of events.

Marie-Pier Hamelin, an advocate for the park, says better restoration solutions have been in development that will benefit all.

“It’s an individual sport, but it’s a community sport at the same time,” the Project 45 volunteer said.

“We want to continue to see growth (in) that culture, but it’s important to not forget where we come from.”

Hamelin was part of a group of volunteers that organized a skating contest this past Saturday to raise awareness of the demolition threat, and to show the community is alive. More than 200 participants took part, with some from the City of Montreal’s office.

“Really looking forward to this winter to find a way to collaborate because that would be like a historical thing between community base and the city to preserve something that’s important for a subculture,” Hamelin said.

“It’s just to find a way to work between two things that are not from the same sphere.”

As the skateboarding season comes to an end, Hamelin hopes progress will be made in the winter months to reach a common ground. She’s hoping for a simple plan that maintains its roots.

Sébastien Petit, one of the original builders of the skatepark, echoed that sentiment. He’s eager to work towards solutions with the city.

“The elected officials seem to be ready to listen to us,” Petit said. “They acknowledge our presence, they acknowledge that there’s a movement that wants to keep the P45, so that’s a step in the right direction.”

Hamlin’s boyfriend Jonathan Charron, who has skateboarded at the park since its inception, says many in the community want to save the park.

“There’s really a big sense of community in the sense of we feel like right now we’re achieving something,” he said.

“We’re not trying to be annoying; we just want to be heard,”

Projet Montréal city councillor Sterling Downey says municipal officials “fully recognize the value” of the park “and the exceptional work that has been done over the years to make it a place appreciated by the community.”

“It is true that some equipment has reached the end of its useful life cycle, hence our desire to restore, improve and update it, but in no case to demolish this emblematic place,” Downey told CityNews in an emailed statement. “We are still in the consultation and reflection phase on the project. All options are being studied, and we plan to meet with the skater groups soon to hear their needs.

“We recognize the need to involve the skate community in the discussion and it is with this in mind that we met with the groups involved last weekend and that we will meet with them again. Our goal is to adapt the redevelopment according to their expectations while respecting current safety and sustainability standards.”

Petit is hoping any form of restoration maintains the “DIY spirit” of the park.

“Not just having a cookie cutter park, a design that’s been stamped for all that’s pretty much the same thing as every other park,” the builder said. “We want to keep that uniqueness and that unique vibe at the P45.”