The extreme overreach of Saanich’s proposed leashing recommendations is not supported by any part of the People, Pets and Parks strategy. Environments, trail etiquette, waste, appropriate enforcement and education all can be addressed effectively, less expensively and in ways the community can support without the leash changes.
The leash restrictions Saanich council put in place in Cadboro Bay in 2021 have created intractable and very destructive divisions in that community. It’s ugly and very, very sad. The People, Pets and Parks leash proposal could spread that awful situation to every neighbourhood in Saanich.
The consequences they have not considered for the 10-20,000 Saanich families with dogs who need off-leash exercise crowded into 16 per cent of our community’s parks are myriad: the carbon impact of tens of thousands of people having to drive instead of walking to a local park, parking at the 11 small parks and one beach that will allow dogs fully off-leash. The community response to the change at Cordova Bay, from its current time-restricted leash regulations given they have not been consulted? The issues for dogs that do not get the exercise needed for good health – and many many more.
My question is: what more could Saanich council possibly need, to realize they must reject these ill-conceived leash recommendations from the People, Pets and Parks strategy?
Peter Pringle
Saanich
