Correspondence: Proposed Off-Leash Dog Area in Chilco Park - S. & P. LeBlanc

To Mayor and Council of View Royal,

Attached, please find our response to the survey regarding the proposed off-leash dog area in Chilco Park.

The more we think about it and discuss the ramifications, the more we realize that this is definitely not a good idea. Many of our reasons are in the attachment.

As we were discussing it this evening, we realized that very few of the families in the subdivision surrounding the park actually take their dogs there. The majority of people with dogs in Chilco Park are coming from elsewhere.

And, from a personal point of view, one of the proposed locations is right outside our fence. At the moment, when balls, frisbees etc are thrown there is a large area for them to go. Chances are good that, if there is even enough room for a dog to chase a ball in the enclosed area, some will end up in our backyard. At this time, people gather in the centre of the park to visit with plenty of room surrounding them. Groups talking and dogs barking outside our backyard would not be peaceful for us or our neighbours in either location.

Please reconsider this proposal and leave our wonderful park as it is with lots of room for various groups to use it for different purposes at the same time.

Suzanne and Paul LeBlanc 4 Newcastle Court

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We originally responded to this survey with a YES but have since had time and opportunity to realize that a secure off-leash area is NOT the answer to any issue that people may have. Problems occur when dog owners are not responsible for their pets...period.

The two fenced off areas that are proposed are terrible parts of the park for dogs to be running in...they are constantly wet (with the exception of the short summer heat) and would be a complete muggy bog. As it is, we cannot access the park through our rear gate as it is too wet from fall till late spring.

The proposed area is far too small for most dogs, would be over crowded and would lead to more confrontations...between dogs AND their owners.

The dogs that we enjoy watching in the park chase balls etc long distances (even the smallest dogs) which would not be possible in such a confined space.

We understand that people are coming from other municipalities which is adding to the numbers.

As the park is, there is plenty of space for multiple activities to take place at the same time. Chopping it up would lessen those opportunities.

We feel that the majority of dog owners would NOT use the fenced area anyway and there would be more problems with people trying to “police” the issue. We feel that this attempt to prevent whatever problems people have with the park the way it is will merely cause more problems and be a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Thank you for the opportunity to restate our opinions on this very important part of our life in Thetis Vale and the enjoyment that we receive from Chilco Park. PLEASE leave the park as it is.