Council cancels call for 'offensive' protection policy
The proposal to create a usage policy for city-run facilities was rescinded by council on Monday.
The Jan. 21 motion to outline appropriate use of city properties followed a presentation by Richard Peachey, an Abbotsford resident, who opposed the former Lingerie Football League’s use of the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC) due to the "offensive" content of the sport.
Coun. Henry Braun introduced the motion for a written policy to be developed to help guide staff decisions on what organizations can use city facilities.
Mayor Bruce Banman voted against the motion, stating that it was a “dangerous slope” for the city to determine what is appropriate.
The initial motion passed with Banman and Coun. John Smith opposed.
Banman said he decided to bring the issue back to council after a couple of councillors contacted him, wanting to reconsider their position.
Coun. Patricia Ross said that after having time to think about what the policy entailed, she no longer wanted to support its development.
Braun, who brought forward the original motion, said he has raised the issue before Peachey’s presentation and maintains that the city should have a policy that directs staff.
Braun, Coun. Bill MacGregor and Coun. Simon Gibson were against the decision to rescind the motion, with all other councillors in support of discarding the plan to create a usage policy.
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