Play on? Draft bylaw gives hope for street hockey in Hamilton

Grab your sticks and watch for cars a new draft bylaw is coming to city council this week that could allow for street hockey in Hamilton.

Though it's a Canadian tradition, shooting for the top corner in the street has long been banned in the city because of liability issues. Coun. Sam Merulla has tried in years past to get that ban overturned, but to no avail.

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The new draft amending bylaw which comes to council on Wednesday is intended to "allow consideration and debate," and if council goes for it, to "recommend its enactment to provide for street hockey."

But it would come with some conditions. Street hockey would be allowed if:

• The roadway has a speed limit of 40 km/h or less and is a local road
• Play happens in a place that is "safe and suitable"
• People play no earlier than 9 a.m. and no later than 8p.m.
• No one plays during periods of limited visibility from fog, snow or rain
• Play is stopped for any vehicles (car!)

There are several other conditions that you can read about in the draft bylaw below. City council will talk about it on Wednesday.

On mobile and can't see the document? View it here.