We’re writing to express our concern about the proposed regulations that would restrict/eliminate off-leash dog walking in Saanich parks and beaches. In the People, Pets and Parks draft report, the vision statement is that “Saanich parks are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all park users and provide a variety of experiences that balance the different needs of people and pets while protecting environmental integrity and promoting stewardship.”
The key word in this vision statement is “balance” yet the proposed regulations would ban off-leash dogs entirely from the overwhelming majority of the area occupied by these spaces. In the case of Mt. Doug Park, for example, off-leash dogs would be banned at all times from all but a 1.5-km loop of trail. In the case of beaches, off-leash dogs would be banned at all times from all areas except Cordova Bay beach. In what way does this represent balance?
Other questions that this report raises include:
Why are we not considering sharing spaces based on time-of-day and time-of-year regulations, particularly for our beaches?
The draft report presents an estimate of implementation cost that ranges from $5.3 to $7.1 million over the next five years and estimated total staff costs of $792,000 per year for 2024-2026 and $821,000 per year for 2027 and onward. Are there not more cost-effective ways of addressing the challenges identified in the report?
How will increased traffic and demand for parking be managed in neighbourhoods adjacent to the few spaces in which off-leash dogs would be permitted?
Lastly, the proposed regulations would bring a fundamental change to the way in which we manage dogs in parks. Currently, dogs are permitted off-leash in parks, except as prohibited by specific regulations. The proposed change would invert this situation as off-leash dogs would be prohibited, except as allowed by specific regulations. Why is this change necessary? Can the proposed regulations not be implemented under the current language?
Based on these concerns and questions, we urge council to reconsider the proposed bylaws and regulations.
Peter and Tara Wild
Saanich
