Barbara Norum, Linda Andreola and Judy Slaco walk their dogs in the designated off-leash area. They support the Town’s decision to maintain off-leash hours throughout the rest of the community park. Lyonel Doherty photo
Town council has agreed not to do away with off-leash dog hours in the community park.
This is a relief to Pat Buckland and numerous other dog owners who signed a petition presented to council on January 13.
The petition was in reaction to a request by the Oliver Parks and Recreation Society (OPRS) to discontinue the off-leash hours from dawn to 9 am as permitted in the Animal Control Bylaw.
In a letter to council, society chair Shiela Lange said the current off-leash time period for the entire park inhibits the usage by other community members, such as joggers, walkers and those involved in family activities.
She noted this usage may be expanded in the future with the addition of outdoor exercise stations along the walking path.
“The OPRS believes that dog owners are fully accommodated with the designated off-leash area that is open from dawn to 10 pm for the vast majority of the year,” Lange said.
Society directors previously expressed concern that lack of enforcement has led some dog owners to allow their pets to roam the community park off-leash at all times of the day.
Directors believe there are several park users who are uncomfortable and do not feel safe around off-leash dogs.
The society subsequently removed signage designating the three-hour off-leash period in the community park.
The society reiterates that the designated off-leash area (the fenced in ball diamonds) provide adequate space for dog owners.
Buckland said not all dog owners wish to take their dogs to the enclosed ball diamonds because they value walking their dogs in the community park.
Buckland suggested posting clear and concise signage at all entrances to the park outlining the rules and hours, particularly about picking up after your dog.
She also said bylaw enforcement needs to be a priority.
Councillor Dave Mattes clarified the issue by saying the main problem is dog feces, not off-leash dogs bothering park users. He noted the feces issue is easily managed in the designated off-leash area.
Buckland said cleaning up after your dog is an essential part of the privilege of using the community park. She stated that many responsible dog owners even pick up after other dogs.
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said the current bylaw relating to off-leash hours provides a good mix for dog owners and narrows the amount of time that dogs are allowed to run free in the park.
“Changing the bylaw won’t alleviate the problem (that the OPRS sees).”
Councillor Jack Bennest recommended the society host a public meeting for dog owners to better explain the issue.
Dog owner Judy Slaco uses the ball diamonds as well as the community park for her three dogs. Even though the ball diamonds represent the designated off-leash area, she still likes to let her dogs run in the community park from dawn to 9 am. Her only concern is that some bigger dogs can be aggressive towards the smaller ones.
As for the feces, “I think all responsible dog owners pick up,” Slaco said.
Dog owner Linda Andreola said horses leave a worse mess in the park, which is not cleaned up by their owners.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
