Airdrie mixed martial arts fighting fans will have to continue to travel outside of the city to take in events.
City council unanimously voted against establishing a combative sports commission, Feb. 19.
The issue first came up in January 2012, when a Calgary resident appeared before council requesting it establish a combative sports commission in the city. At that time, council directed staff to look into what it would take to set up the commission.
“It wasn’t driven by the community,” said Deputy Mayor Ron Chapman when asked why he voted against establishing a commission.
Chapman added the cost and staff time involved, as well as potential liability for the City, were other reasons for his vote.
Lorri Laface, team leader of Airdrie’s community development department, made a presentation to council on the possibility of establishing a commission. During the presentation, she said about 320 hours of City staff time would be required, adding existing staff wouldn’t be able to take on the increased workload.
Laface said events can draw more than 400 fans, adding the City has several facilities, including Genesis Place, that could host events of that size. However, as fighting events could be easily viewed by patrons of the recreation centre, the facility would likely have to be closed for the event.
Laface added the Plainsmen and Ron Ebbesen arenas could host a fighting event, but parking and noise could pose a problem for surrounding communities.
According to Laface, the Airdrie Judo Club and Airdrie Karate Club did not express a desire to take part in combative sports events.
She recommended council not get involved in establishing a commission.
