COMOX, B.C. – Comox council is exploring the possibility creating a dog park in town.
Under new business at tonight’s meeting at Comox Council Chambers, Councillor Maureen Swift will put forward a notice of motion that “staff be directed to prepare a report outlining possible locations and costs for creating a dog park and/or a leash optional park.”
There are currently no off-leash parks, fields or areas within the Town of Comox boundary.
The Town has received letters from residents both for and against a dog park.
“I see on the Town of Comox website that there are no off-leash dog parks in the Town of Comox,” wrote Trish Fennell. “I feel this is not fair to owners who also pay taxes.”
Later in the letter, Fennell wrote “Please tell me you have plans for a fenced, large, dog park. I have a dog that needs to run, she is unable to do this on-leash and I am not able to drive to the off-leash areas that are far from town…”
Michael Barner suggested that the Town set up a time for dogs to be off-leash, for example, in the mornings until 10:00 a.m. and in the evenings after 6:00 p.m.
“A dog park will cost the city both money and upkeep and will not be welcomed in most neighbourhoods. By implementing this compromise the township will not only save the expense and upkeep of a dog park, but will also allow the hundreds of people who walk their dogs off leash to continue to enjoy the freedom they have had for the past twenty-plus years.”
