Razing the Taz

>> Montreal's celebrated skatepark tries to secure its future

by MELISSA PROIETTI

For the better part of last year the planned construction of la Grande Bibliothèque du Québec spelled big trouble for Montreal's world-renowned Tazmahal Skatepark and Roulodôme. The Taz was told last spring that they would have to be out of their metro-connected location by December 31, 2000 so the space could be levelled and the library built.

"The kids find it sad," says the Taz's general manager Michel Comeau. "But we were very lucky to have had this space for as long as we have. It's been four years now." Located on Berri, the Taz is Montreal's only indoor skatepark and one of the biggest in North America, boasting 72,000 square feet and 35-foot-high ceilings. The space itself, owned by the library, is rented by the skatepark. The library recently gave Tazmahal an extension until March 31, 2001, after construction plans fell behind schedule.

But this eviction may not mean the end for the Taz, which claims in-residency skaters like X-games participant Pierre-Luc Gagnon and is used by sponsored rollerbladers and BMXers. Already equipped with a vert ramp, a street course and a set of mini-ramps, if things go as planned for the Taz they may be opening a bigger, more versatile skatepark soon after leaving their present location. "It looks like we'll move to the old incinerator building near Rosemount metro," says Comeau. "We just received an official letter from the city saying we can have it. It's a great building--it's funky."

But for the Taz, a non-profit organization, the story does not end there. Money is a big problem. For the new skatepark to be up and running it will cost approximately $4.3-million, which is a lot of money to come up with in a few short months. Comeau would like municipal and provincial governments to help out with the cash. "We've requested that we come up with $1-million through fundraising and taking loans, and they give us the rest," Comeau explains. The city has already agreed to give Tazmahal $250,000-a-year for maintenance and utilities, and the skatepark has high hopes that the proposal will appeal to the governments. The entrance fee, which is now set at $10, will hopefully not go up if the move goes through.

The forced relocation could be a good thing for Taz. The new location is easily accessible in an area that Comeau feels is safe for the kids, and the new set-up will provide a challenge for Taz regulars. "I've been going to Taz since it opened and by now I'm getting sick of it," declares skater and Spin board-shop employee Scott Furkay. "But it's a great place to go in the winter. I want it to re-open."

The Taz has created a fund for donations towards the new space and is looking for anyone who can donate their professional services. For more info call 284-0051.