Off Leash Park Efforts Continue

Monday, November 15, 2010 08:38 PM

Prince George, B.C.- The Off Leash Advisory Committee continues to work towards developing recommendations for offleash parks for the community.

In apresentation to Council this evening, Advisory Committee Chair, Kathi Travers says Kamloops already has four fenced off leash parks, and her committee has identified 30 areas which may be possible sites for such parks in Prince George.

The Committee has been trying to come up with parks that will satisfy the needs of pet owners. They are relying a great deal on the results of a survey aimed at gaining more information before any decisions are made about off leash parks, indicates the most popular area used to exercise dogs is Cottonwood Island Park.

674 people responded to the survey which was distributed with pet licence renewal notices in late 2008. The response rate is about 20% of the notices mailed out.

The existing Off Leash Areas located at Ginter’s Meadow, Moore’s Meadow Park and Domano Boulevard are used by many of the survey respondents (41%). The majority of this use occurs during multiple times of the week (55%). Other City Park or Trail areas are used by 58% of survey respondents, predominantly during multiple times of the week (55%).

The City Park or Trail areas used most often to exercise dogs included Cottonwood Island Park (24%), Forests for the World (19%) and Moore’s Meadow Park (18%). Other commonly used areas included neighbourhood streets or parks, Ginter’s Meadow and the Forest Service Road south of Domano Boulevard.

Over 52% of survey respondents feel the City of Prince George needs to provide additional Off Leash Areas. Additional Off Leash Areas are strongly suggested for the Hart as well as throughout the City. Some suggested areas for Off Leash use also included College Heights, Cottonwood Island, Forests for the World and Wilson Park.

When asked how existing Off Leash Areas could be improved, strong support was indicated for improved or additional signage as well as for fencing. Support was also indicated for additional pet waste stations, waste receptacles and the elimination of motorized use. Improved maintenance, increased enforcement/fines and road/snow maintenance were also suggested.

"Prince George is a pet friendly city" says Travers, " and we are working very hard to make this a great city for everyone whether they be four legged or two legged."

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Monday, November 15, 2010 08:38 PM in News by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: Vikingnuck on November 15 2010 10:38 PM

I am a dog owner, and I live near a popular park for dogs and their owners, Moores Meadow. I like the idea of off leash as long as the owners can maintain some level of control over their pets. If not, then problems of out of control, overly aggressive pets is still an issue. Lets see what can be done to enforce dog owners to pick up after their dogs. I know the area in and around Moores Meadow is disgusting due to lazy and ignorant owners who can't be bothered to bring a plastic bag with them on their walks. Excuse me while I go clean off my shoe :-(

Posted by: Mercenary on November 16 2010 4:06 AM

I recently took my two dogs to the off leash park in Grande Prairie and loved it. I'm sure my Husky and Shepperd loved it too. It would make a great addition to the city of Prince George if they can make one.

Posted by: Retired on November 16 2010 10:09 AM

What all this concern about dogs. They are nothing but a nuisance in the first place. Because the owners don’t know how they effect the lives of others. The owners go to work and their dogs bark all day to annoy their neighbours. The off leash areas are just used for the pets to crap in and end up on the shoes of others,

The dogs aren’t pets they are just a possetion to entertain the owner at the owners will. If they want pets why not go to bed and make one that will be a constant joy.
Cheers

Posted by: duffer on November 18 2010 2:32 PM

Retired, you hit the nail right on the head.

Thank you.