The Editor,
I have read with great interest the debate over the location of off leash dog parks in Richmond.
What has been most troubling is the absence of any consultation with residents in the area by city staff, whether it be Dover Park, McCallan Park or South Arm Park. However, this is symbolic of the way this city conducts it’s business.
I would like to publicly commend the countless hours South Arm resident Eve Rollet de Darantes has dedicated to this issue. As a 40-plus year resident of the area she truly cares about what happens to this wonderful jewel our city is fortunate to have.
She has recognized an off leash dog park is something the vast majority of residents do not want. She has done all the legwork paid city staff did not do. She has taken the time to speak to the daily users of South Arm Park, a lot of whom are dog owners. They have told her they would like to walk all around this beautiful park with their dogs, and both owners and their dogs can still stop to socialize along the way. This happens every day.
Not only has she organized a petition with well over 500 names of users of this park who do not want a fenced, off leash dog park, but has even suggested alternate locations that may be suitable provided there is consultation with residents.
I am aware Richmond City Council and city staff have received the petition. It is time for them to recognize what the vast majority of residents who live in the area already know — this park is not the right location for a fenced off leash dog park.
Murray Sisler
Richmond
