Road hockey has turned up an MPP who, on the eve of a City Council discussion about the slightly illegal activity, has found motherhood. The Youth Services Minister Michael Coteau urges Toronto to make it legal. Coteau, a dad representing Don Valley East, waxes warmly about the pastime. “While the health benefits of physical activity are well-known and obvious, some of the other benefits of play are maybe less so,” he wrote, pointing to “things such as communication and social skills, an understanding of social rules, relationship building, learning how to compromise with others, patience and perseverance, teamwork and a sense of belonging.”
LIABILITY THE ISSUE
Traditionally civic officials have been advised against making road hockey legal because of the liability that would attach to the City. Others who support legal road hockey, like Ward 16 Councillor Christin Carmichael Greb say that’s no problem. But her solution seems vague. “People who choose to play street hockey or basketball on the roadway or allow a child in their care to play agree that they are assuming any and all risks associated with the decision to engage in this conduct and are waiving any and all claims against the city,” she said in her submission. In 2012, Josh Matlow (Ward 22) tried to have the ban lifted as well. At City Council Tuesday, a staff report will recommend against legalization. The rarely enforced restriction can bring a fine of $55 but usually gets just a warning.
