Georgina
October 01, 2008 07:54 PM
John Slykhuis
A site on the north end of West Park has been proposed for the town’s first fenced off-leash dog park.
Speaking on behalf of many supporters of the plan, Bev Kolb told council last week this would provide a controlled area where residents can take their pets for exercise.
This would reduce the use of unauthorized locations such as school yards, parks and sports fields and encourage responsible pet ownership through on-site education and notices, she added.
Ms Kolb suggested that to inspire a sense of ownership, dog park users be required to purchase a $25 per household annual licence fee.
A liability waiver would be signed at the time of licensing and a colour-coded sticker be affixed to the dog tag.
Confirmation about rabies vaccination would be done as well.
Users would then receive a code of conduct for the park to address issues such as behaviour, noise and cleanup of any dog excrement for which bags will be provided.
The area would be self-policing with volunteers ensuring that the space is not mis-used, she said.
In the case of repeat offenders, the town’s bylaw officials could be called, she added.
An Internet group is up and running and would be used by members to arrange play dates, share information and inform users of closures and cleanup days.
The park would be open from dawn to dusk.
A committee would be set up to administer the park, with suggestions that representation include a member of council, a resident, a pet professional and an town animal control officer.
The group is exploring potential corporate and local business sponsorship for items such as equipment, she added.
The sale of memorial plaques and various fundraising events would help pay for the park with the town asked to provide matching funds.
The total initial cost of the dog park is estimated at $50,000, which would include fending, a pavilion, lighting, signage and waste disposal.
There have been requests for off-leash dog parks in other areas of town as well, Mayor Rob Grossi said.
He also wondered if dog owners from areas such as Sutton or Pefferlaw would travel to south Keswick.
“We have to make sure what we’re doing is the best for the majority,” he said.
Councillor Margaret Jordan, who has worked with dog park supporters, said dedicated dog owners will make the trip, noting they are already doing so to the Aurora off-leash dog park.
An initial park in Keswick could serve as a model for facilities in other areas of town, she added.
The proposal to charge an annual licence fee was questioned by Councillor Ross Jamieson.
“You might want to re-think that,” he said, adding the dog park should also serve as a attraction for out-of-town visitors.
Visitors would not have to pay if there for a day or two, reiterating an annual fee for regular users would discourage littering and abuse of the facilities.
“This is worth paying for,” she said.
The town faces major budget pressures for next year and he urged that the facility be “revenue neutral”, Mr. Grossi said.
The town coffers would benefit greatly if all dog owners bought an annual licence, suggesting only one in three currently do so, he added.
The issue was referred to leisure services director Faye Richardson for a report.