It appears an Orillia city councillor was barking up the wrong tree to think a leash-free dog zone would be suitable at Hillcrest Park.
Ward 4 councillor Pat Hehn advocated the idea and asked staff to investigate the plan. On Monday, staff poo-pooed the plan.
John McMullen, the city’s manager of parks, said after considering the idea, canvassing local residents and re-examining the north-ward park, staff concluded Hillcrest “is not the best place for an off-leash dog zone.”
He said the only space available at the park for a leash-free dog zone is the north end of the 1.2-acre site that abuts Cedar Street.
“The proximity of residential backyards is problematic for this type of an installation due to noise, hours of use, odour, and the potential of a surface completely denuded of vegetation,” said the report presented to councillors.
In addition, the available space is smaller than the smallest size recommended for such an amenity. City staff also use that part of the property for vehicular access to the grounds.
On top of that, a leash-free dog zone would put the popular outdoor rink at the park in peril.
“At first blush, it sounded like a great idea,” said Hehn. “But I understand (now) all the reasons why it’s not a good idea.”
While a leash-free dog zone is not a good fit at Hillcrest, staff believe there is an appetite for more such facilities in the city. At present, there are two such leash-free zones: at Clayt French Park (West Ridge) and Kitchener Park.
“There is growing demand to accommodate residents and their dogs in public places,” noted the staff report.
Also cited was the 2014 Parks, Recreation, Culture Master Plan that recommends Orillia provide three to four off-leash areas.
McMullen also said a recent survey showed the majority of people are in favour of the zones. He noted staff mailed out questionnaires to residents within 500 metres of Hillcrest Park to garner their opinions.
“In total, 60 per cent of respondents were supportive of leash-free dog zones within the city and in Hillcrest Park, whereas 24 per cent were not in favour of leash-free dog zones within city parks (including Hillcrest),” reported McMullen. He said another 16 per cent of respondents were supportive of leash-free dog zones within the city, but not at Hillcrest Park.
With that in mind, staff will work with the recreation advisory committee on a “comprehensive review of city-owned properties and alternative policy options and potential locations for leash-free dog zones” and report back to council next year.
Hehn applauded the plan.
“I do think we do need something in the north area of Orillia, so I’d really be pleased to see (staff) investigate other areas where there might be something because it is lacking in that section of town,” said Hehn. “I think it will be well used.”
Ray Merkley, the city’s manager of parks recreation and culture, in response to questions from two councillors, said Scout Valley would be among the sites investigated to be a future home of a leash-free dog zone.
