The public can have a say on the future of professional mixed martial events in Vernon.
The city gave three readings to a bylaw Monday that would ban such professional events at any of its facilities.
A public hearing is now scheduled prior to the start of a regular council meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8.
The city originally planned a bylaw that banned both professional and amateur cards, but removed amateur from the bylaw as those tournaments are sanctioned provincially.
“The recommendation (to ban events) was based on the health and well-being of the participants and especially youth,” said Will Pearce, chief administrative officer.
Plans for the bylaw were put on hold in June because of the potential impact a ban would have on local MMA schools and their ability to hold competitions.
The city started the process to ban MMA events because the police had expressed concerns about criminal activity within the sport.
Cell tower in works
A plan by Rogers Communications Inc. to construct a self-supporting 30-metre high telecommunications tower on property on Commonage Road has the city’s support.
The company is planning to put the tower on land outside the Agricultural Land Reserve, 500 meters away from Commonage Road and behind mature trees that would screen most of the tower from public view.
“I understand the importance of having these towers,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “It certainly helps to provide better service and it does increase competition between Rogers and Telus, which I hope translates into better deals for consumers.”
The Okanagan Indian Band requested an archaeological assessment of the project area be done, and Rogers said that has been done and that “no known archaeological sites are located within the project area within two kilometres of it.”
Industry Canada has the final authority to approve towers under the Radio Communications Act.
