Chilco Park Secure Off-Leash Dog Area

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT The Committee receive the report entitled “Chilco Park Secure Off-Leash Dog Area” and dated July 07, 2021 for information.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To provide The Committee with information regarding the demand for a secure off-leash dog area within Chilco Park.

DEFINITIONS:

Secure Off-Leash Dog Area – Refers to an enclosed, fenced space in which dogs may be let off-leash to run and socialize with other dogs while being contained and separated from other park users.

Neighbourhood Park – As per the Town of View Royal’s 2006 Parks Master Plan, a neighbourhood park responds to the recreation needs of local residents. These parks are typically within a ½ km radius for residents. Facilities commonly incorporated in neighbourhood parks include lawn, picnic areas, local nature paths, tot lots, playgrounds and unprogrammed open space

BACKGROUND:

Located at 2440 Lund Road in the Chilco neighbourhood, Chilco Park is a small (5,800m²) neighbourhood park comprised of open green space and a children’s playground. In 2005, the Town conducted a survey to gather resident input on park features and amenities. This survey led to the installation of the children’s playground in 2006 and defined the overall character and use of the park.

In 2020, Council received several letters from residents, as well as a petition signed by local residents of the Chilco neighbourhood regarding the current use of Chilco Park and potential demand for off-leash dog solutions. Council also heard from residents opposed to off-leash dog solutions within Chilco Park and directed staff to obtain community input and prepare a report for Council.

PROJECT INFORMATION:

Community Engagement Survey

Survey Preparation and Methods

In May 2020, staff prepared a survey entitled “Chilco Park Secure Off-Leash Dog Area – Community Engagement Survey” (Attachments A & B).

• The survey consisted of a variety of multiple choice & written answer questions and provided set options for factors such as location, size, and amenities.
• Participants were required to include their home address to aid staff in interpreting survey data.
• The survey was sent via Canada Post’s “Neighbourhood Mail” precision targeting, and out to residents in the area surrounding Chilco Park (Attachment C).
• The survey was also made available publicly on the Town’s website.
• Survey responses were accepted between May 25th – June 13th, 2021, and results were reviewed and interpreted over the next two weeks.

Survey Data

A total of 479 survey responses were received, with results leaning generally in favor of implementing a secure off-leash dog area within Chilco Park. Answers for multiple choice questions (questions # 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12) were further filtered to create three categories (Attachment D):

1. All survey responses
2. View Royal resident responses only
3. Chilco Neighbourhood resident responses only

Answers for written response questions (questions # 3, 7, 9) were reviewed, placed into categories, and tallied in tables (Attachment E).

Survey Results and Interpretation

Support for a secure off-leash dog area Survey responses leaned generally in favor of the addition of the proposed secure off-leash dog area with 62% of survey responses from the Chilco neighbourhood supporting the off-leash area. This was only slightly less than 68% of total survey participants voting in favor of the off-leash dog area. Of those not in favor, written responses expressed concern around a loss of community and green space for local residents, concern around irresponsible dog owners, and the issue of facilitating parking for an increased volume of park users.

Preferred location Across the board, there was an almost even split of those preferring Location A versus Location B (slight preference shown for Location A – nearest to Lund Road). Some written responses noted that both locations would see seasonal muddiness, and voiced concerns around useability during the winter and spring months.

Preferred size A large majority of participants (>88%) opted for a larger off-leash area. Those preferring a smaller off-leash area were generally those who were against the installation of a secure off-leash dog area. Preference for the larger area was further amplified in the written answer questions where participants noted the need for a larger space in Question 9.

Inclusion of “agility course” style obstacles Survey responses leaned slightly in favor (between 50-56%) of including “agility course” style obstacles in design. Written answers included a wide variety of options that might be included. Most popular were tunnels and jumping & climbing obstacles. Written answers also voiced concern over implementing obstacles within the proposed space, stating that there would not be sufficient room for proper use.

Inclusion of amenities When considering the addition of specific amenities (benches, dog water stations, both or neither), between 55-65% of participants voted in favor of both benches and dog water stations being included in design. Between 18-26% of participants preferred to only see a dog water station, between 12-16% voted to see neither amenity, and approximately 3% of responses were in favor of just benches. In reviewing the written responses, survey participants against the above-noted amenities voiced their concerns that benches and water stations would encourage non-local park users to extend their stay at the park.

Restriction of secure off-leash dog area hours The final questions of the survey considered restricted hours at the park, noting that regular Town park hours were 5:00am – 11:00pm. Between 63-67% of participants voted against implementing a time restriction on a secure off-leash dog area. Of those in favor of a time restriction, a reduced schedule of 6:00am – 9:00pm was preferred. Written responses spoke to concerns around excessive noise in the park during early morning and late night hours.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS:

Animal Control Bylaw No. 614 – Schedule B “Municipal Parks with Off-Leash Areas” 2006 Marks Master Plan – Designation of Chilco Park as a “neighbourhood park”

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee receive the report entitled “Chico Park Secure Off-Leash Dog Area” and dated July 07, 2021 for information.

ALTERNATE RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee recommend that Council that staff include the development of an off-leash dog area in Chilco Park as part of the 2022-2026 5-Year Financial Plan.

SUBMITTED BY: A. Heimburger, Engineering Clerk

REVIEWED BY: J. Rosenberg, Director of Engineering