I read Darrell Wick’s letter titled “Dogs should be excluded from PKOLS-Mount Douglas.”
It is unfortunate to see such a two-dimensional approach to addressing what is a much more three-dimensional challenge. In fact, if the “environmental protection” argument holds water this group should in fact be working to advocate for the total blocking off of Cedar Hill, Cordova Bay Road and Ash Road for the use of the public. The damage done to PKOLS’ ecosystem by cars (animals being killed or injured, noise, air and water pollution, etc.) is certainly more significant.
The irony of positing this situation as simply one of “environmental advocacy” is that it misses the fact that we humans and our dogs are woven into the environment and part of it. It would be unjust to treat humans and dogs as foreign actors imposing on the otherwise untainted environment. It is an oversimplification to see off-leash dogs as an invasive species. What the letter did not say is that Saanich’s People, Pets and Parks study states that the vast majority (73%) of daily park users are dog owners. Two-thirds of Saanich residents have no concerns about off-leash dogs in parks and on beaches. Between 30 and 45% of Saanich residents share their home with at least one dog. Close to 75% of all respondents and non-dog owners and more than 80% of dog owners believe there are benefits to Saanich having most of its parks be off-leash parks.
Certainly, Mr Wick’s points should be considered as one of the points of view, just as they would do in a reasonable debate about the challenges facing an evolving community. And indeed, there will be challenges as we grow and evolve as a municipality.
There is a proposal in front of Saanich council to lop off the rights of dog owners and their dogs. I trust that this would not be acceptable to any council seeking a fair and balanced process or decision. This is a socially complex issue for sure and it would be a mistake to address it as if it were simply an issue of demonizing one side of the debate and then seeking to get rid of their rights. Such an approach is neither fair, sustainable or just, and simply serves to sow and deepen division and undermine the wellness of the municipality and its citizens.
Dan Steve
Saanich
