A South Arm resident who launched a petition last year against the City of Richmond’s plans to install an off-leash dog area in the neighbourhood’s popular park believes her concerns have been ignored.
Eve Rollet de Darantes, a 40-plus year resident of the area, said a recent decision by Richmond city council’s parks committee to approve a permanent expansion of an off-leash area in the park flies in the face of local opposition.
“It’s disgusting, it’s a mess, it’s an eye sore and barely nobody uses it,” said Rollet de Darantes, who claims over 900 people signed a petition last year to have the then pilot off-leash area removed.
The off-leash area is situated behind South Arm pool. Presently it’s about 700 square metres and is set to double in size with permanent fencing, following the committee’s approval.
A parks department report indicated since the off-leash area went up feedback has been “generally” positive.
Rollet de Darantes’ primary concerns at the time of the July 2014 petiton were sightlines, noise, increased traffic and loss of open space.
“The public feedback that has been received since the installation of the pilot dog off-leash area does not indicate these are significant issues,” stated the report.
The department is set to improve the area’s landscaping and permanent fencing should address the appearance, the report stated.
Nevertheless, while the report gave two examples of feedback, Rollet de Darantes wants to see proof of the positive submissions to the city.
In a time when parks are being frequented more and more by residents and sanctioned off-leash areas are becoming more standardized in the Metro Vancouver region, Rollet de Darantes said, in general dogs needn’t be on leashes and off-leash areas are unnecessary.
She said some dogs may be problematic but imposing off-leash areas is an excessive measure to take.
Coun. Ken Johnston approved the off-leash area along with other city councillors last week.
Johnston, a dog owner himself, said compromises must be made between both sides.
“So many people are using the park as a walking facility and it can be a little unnerving to have dogs off leash.”
Johnston said the city has done well to strike a balance with dog walkers.
“We’re keeping more of an eye on Garry Point and the West Dyke to ensure dogs are on leash. I think in terms of enforcement and what we’re offering the public, the dog community is well served.”
Last week the committee approved permanent fencing at four of-leash locations, bringing the number of off-leash areas to 11. The city hopes to have an off-leash area within 800 metres (walking distance) of every home.
Along with permanent fencing, the department will also expand two other off-leash areas, one at Garden City Park and the other on Elmbridge Way.
The City of Richmond did not respond to Richmond News questions by deadline.
