Dogs could soon be banned from hard-surface sport courts, playgrounds, picnic areas and exercise equipment zones in Sidney.
On Monday, July 21, the Town of Sidney council gave first, second and third readings to update the animal licence and control bylaw in response to complaints regarding animal waste and general disruption in these public spaces.
The bylaw, which would prohibit dogs from purpose-built park facilities in all Sidney parks, will be brought back to council for consideration of adoption at the Aug. 18 meeting. If adopted, the bylaw would come into effect.
Council is now exploring a solution to balance the needs of dog owners and other park users.
To that end, the town is considering developing a fenced off-leash dog enclosure within Iroquois Park.
The proposed location, situated between the boat trailer parking area and the tennis courts, could potentially include designated zones for small and large dogs.
This initiative directly responds to the identified need for an off-leash area in East Sidney, as outlined in the Parks Master Plan.
In a previous meeting on July 14, council approved amendments to the animal licence and control bylaw regarding the enforcement of nuisance and dangerous dogs, impounding procedures and associated costs.
These changes aim to align Sidney's animal control practices with a regional initiative led by the Capital Regional District.
The Town of Sidney will be seeking public input on the proposed off-leash area in Iroquois Park from mid-August to mid-September.
Residents are encouraged to visit sidney.ca in August for further details and opportunities to provide feedback.
