Survey says no to an off leash park at Rathdown Park. Sidney council agrees.
Council will not create an off leash park in the eastern portion of the park near Ardwell Avenue in Sidney after residents in the area showed little support for the idea. Coun. Mervyn Lougher-Goodey noted that of the 14 neighbouring properties surveyed, 12 opposed a one-year trial run of an designated off leash area in the park.
"It gives us a chance, as a town, to enhance the dog park that we have," said Coun. Steve Price, noting the high usage at North Saanich's Cy Hampson Park. "We do want to look at improving the existing dog park that we have."
He referred to Peter Grant Park, a large field accessible from Reay Creek Park and from a trail on Frost Avenue West entrance next to Greenglade school.
Proponents were seeking a dog off-leash area on the east side of Highway 17.
"I know from door knocking there was a demand for a dog park particularly for small dogs," said Coun. Melissa Hailey.
"The north end is really wanting to see us do something about parks in general," agreed Coun. Tim Chad.
Council opted to deny the request for off leash for that park and ask that proponents – should they seek another location to the east of the highway – show a level of support from the neighbourhood when approaching the town.
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