Using a recently opened off-leash dog park as a model, a Calgary alderman hopes to see additional similar parks in the future for Calgarians.
Ward 12 alderman and community and protective services chair Ric McIver said the committee is set to re-approve the 2010 Off-Leash Park Implementation Plan tomorrow and hopes a new dog park near Auburn Bay will serve as a leading example for the plan.
“I hope to see it become a terrific model and I’m very optimistic. There is a big demand for facilities like this in the city and I would like to see more,” McIver said.
While council looked at the plan before, a motion levied by Ald. Brian Pincott to look at fees sent the plan back to administration for further clarification, McIver said. Pincott’s motion was rejected.
In 2009, almost 5,000 Calgarians responded to telephone and online surveys citing their concerns, including people not picking up doggy doo and dogs not kept under control, but Bylaw and Animal Services director Bill Bruce said they have responded to calls.
“We will work with the community and when there are concerns we get out there and address them by educating people,” Bruce said, adding they haven’t received a high volume of complaints.
If approved, council will direct administration to come back with a progress update in January, 2011.
