The city will be adding more designated off-leash areas for dogs.
Delta council this week approved a staff recommendation to look at the following spaces where potential off-leash containment areas can be accommodated: Beach Grove Park, Dennison Park, Pebble Hill Park, Kensington Park South, the Delta-owned section of Paterson Park, Ladner Harbour Park, Gunderson Park, Mackie Park, the 115th Street B.C. Hydro right-of-way and a new location within Westview Park
A staff report notes the city would proceed with developing detailed plans and undertaking public consultation for Mackie Park and Pebble Hill Park first, which would be undertaken in early 2020.
Parks, recreation and culture director Ken Kuntz noted containment areas are different than off-leash parks as containment areas are usually fenced sections in areas mixed with other uses.
His report notes the city currently has two off-leash containment areas, one at Delview Park and an agility space adjacent to the Delta Community Animal Shelter.
Following public consultation last year regarding park improvements, the Delview Park off-leash location is currently undergoing a relocation and enlargement.
Meanwhile, the city recently received petitions requesting off-leash containment areas at Mackie and Pebble Hill parks.
Coun. Alicia Guichon said she likes the idea of having separate designated areas where small dogs can exercise away from larger breeds.
Coun. Lois Jackson agreed, but noted she hopes the containment areas won’t be just open fields but have features to make them more inviting, such as trees.
Kuntz noted detailed designs would be undertaken for each site.
His report also noted the cost of a dog off-leash containment area can vary, depending on the size, pre-existing condition and amount of amenities.
The 2020 draft budget includes funding for off-leash containment areas at Mackie and Pebble Hill, while additional funding for further locations is included in future years.
