Saanich issued a statement framing the feedback they received about plans to limit off-leash dog areas in parks as misinformation or myths. Taking this approach discounts the value of the public’s feedback. The myths they describe are self-serving, arbitrary and misrepresent the intentions of the public’s comments.
For example, the myth that there won’t be any spaces for dogs to run free is clarified by noting that 57 of Saanich’s parks will offer dedicated off-leash areas but ignores the fact that 115 parks will have no off-leash areas and the majority of parks described as off-leash have small fenced enclosures. Regarding concerns that Saanich’s recommendations are too restrictive, their clarification was that the recommendations are quite generous compared to other communities, ignoring the total reversal of leasing regulations from off-leash to on-leash.
Furthermore, the area of PKOLS recommended for off-leash walking decreases by at least 90%. Overall the whole process has been disingenuous and arbitrary leaving one with the impression that citizens’ comments have no influence and the outcome was known from the beginning – yet another decrease in the quality of life driven by the imperative of growth.
Aidan Byrne
Saanich
