NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. —
The Niagara Parks Commission will allow tightrope walker Nik Wallenda to walk a wire across the Niagara gorge – a 180-degree turn from its established policy.
Commissioners voted Wednesday to allow the stunt during their Wednesday morning meeting.
It’s an about face for the provincial agency responsible for managing the public property along the Niagara River. It goes against a decades-old policy banning stunters from Niagara Falls.
The parks commission has decided to allow one “qualified stutner” every 20 years.
“It’s a new day,” Niagara Parks Commission chairwoman Janice Thomoson said.
The commission will give Wallenda 45 days to negotiate the arrangements for the walk.
Last year, the New York State assembly passed a one-time exemption to its ban on stunts that will allow Wallenda to use New York's Goat Island state park as one of the endpoints for the highwire act.
Today's NPC decision was needed to give Wallenda permission to use its Table Rock area as the other endpoint.
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
