Matthew Blackett spent much of his childhood playing hockey on the side streets of Willowdale - ball, sticks and makeshift nets in hand.
He'd like future generations of Torontonians to do the same, but without risking a $55 fine: That's how much the city can currently charge people caught in the act of playing any ball sport in the city's streets.
"That's a lot of candy money," Mr. Blackett said.
The Spacing Toronto publisher and member of the city's pedestrian committee is among those spearheading a push to legalize road hockey and other ball-based street games.
Street hockey has become a quintessential marker of Canadian urbanity. The Conservative government deemed it so integral to the country's identity it merited special mention in the latest guide for immigrants.
It also makes otherwise financially prohibitive ice hockey a lot more accessible. CBC's Hockey Night in Punjabi co-host Parminder Singh grew to love the sport playing ball hockey on the streets of the Jane-Finch neighbourhood after moving there from the Punjab.
But in Toronto, and several other Canadian cities, it's technically illegal.
As childhood obesity creeps up and the city contemplates different ways to keep kids healthy, Mr. Blackett argues it doesn't make sense to outlaw one of the simplest. He points to Kingston, whose city council added special provisions to its policing code of conduct in 2008 to permit street hockey.
"Our streets aren't entirely utilitarian: They're an area that, I think, is somewhat social. ... They can be use din unique and creative ways."
Opponents argue it simply isn't wise for the city to formally condone kids playing in the street.
The city's public-works committee will discuss a proposal to ask staff about options for accommodating ball sports on residential streets at its meeting next week. Councillor Cesar Palacio, a committee member, said he supports the notion of encouraging kids to play, but emphasized that his primary concern is safety.
"I have concerns about traffic and safety," he said. "But on quieter streets, cul de sacs … I don't see a problem, especially during the day."
When the motion landed on Glenn De Baeremaeker's desk, the committee chair thought it was a joke.
"I said, 'Youve got to be kidding: Playing hockey on the street is illegal?' ... It's time to change the bylaws to recognize the reality of our nation."