'Relieved and excited': Rollers Roller Rink finally reopens in new space
Boasting 2,300 square metres of skating space at its new location, Edmonton's Rollers Roller Rink believes it is the largest in Canada.
Count also the Toe Stop Derby Shop, five party rooms, locker area, rental counter, concession and sitting area inside, and Rollers' new location is more than 3,700 square metres in total.
"I'm relieved and excited about what the future brings," owner Claudia Garcia told CTV News Edmonton on Sunday, one week after the move to 14648 134 Ave. was officially complete.
The new rink is not only an upsizing over Rollers' previous space in Christy's Corner on St. Albert Trail, but also has a brand new floor and management has been able to decorate in a colourful, eye-catching way.
"Everything's kind of like the best version that it could be," said manager Ashtyn Sample.
The reopening has been a long time in the making. Rollers announced in late 2023 it would be moving and reopening by February, but the renovation process took longer.
"We thought it was going to be a seamless transition, but as everything, things don't go according to plan and there have been hiccups. Although, we're happy and excited that we're finally open in our new space and love it," Garcia said.
A skater herself, she opened the skate supply shop in 2016, then the rink in 2019.
To see Rollers grow to need the space it does now, Garcia said, feels "like my vision has come true."
"I love it," said skater Emily Lamoureux, who took up roller skating at Rollers three years ago in search of a physical hobby. "The floor is amazing. So smooth. The area is so big, so even if you need to dodge around maybe some beginner skaters, or some people that have had a tumble, it's easier to do that in this location."
In addition to lessons, parties and open skating, the rink has plans for themed events, karaoke nights and some other surprises.
Both the staff and Lamoureux hope the new space amplifies a recent resurgence in interest in the sport, whether it's roller dance, derby or park skating.
"I feel so free when I roller skate. It's a physical activity, but also an art form," Sample said.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Miriam Valdes-Carletti
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu in critical condition, Dr. Bonnie Henry says
The teenager who is sick with the first-ever human case of avian influenza acquired in Canada is in hospital in critical condition, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead new ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ in Trump administration
President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in his second administration.
Here's why thieves may be stealing butter in Canada
The case of the missing butter remains a mystery, but some have ideas on what's behind the unusual crimes.
Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65
Former B.C. premier John Horgan, a popular leader renowned for his affable personality and dedicated public service, has died
Alleged serial killer previously pled guilty to 2018 attack on Waterloo, Ont. bus
The woman accused of killing three people in three days in three Ontario cities also previously admitted to attacking strangers on buses in the Region of Waterloo.
Air Canada to add new routes to U.S., Europe and North Africa in summer 2025
Getting to destinations in the U.S., Europe and North Africa is about to get easier, as Air Canada announced it will be increasing flights to a number of new destinations this summer.
Body found in Montreal park identified as cryptocurrency influencer
The body of a man that was found in a park in the Ahunstic-Cartierville borough last month has been identified as cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi.
History in Halifax is slowly being wiped off the map: study
Saint Mary's University archeologist Jonathan Fowler is sounding an alarm with a new study. According to Fowler, the centuries-old architecture that adds to Halifax’s heritage and historic vibe is slowly being wiped away as the city grows.
2-year-old gorilla 'Eyare' dies unexpectedly at Calgary Zoo
A young gorilla at the Calgary Zoo has died. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced a member of its western lowland gorilla troop passed away unexpectedly, in a news release Tuesday.