Today Saanich posted the agenda for the May 17th Council meeting and it includes multiple recommendations related to dogs in Gyro Park. The recommendations flow from the Parks, Trails & Recreation Advisory Committee Chaired by Councillor Judy Brownoff, and from Saanich Parks Staff.
All recommendations relate to the park areas (not the beach), though they can be expected to take pressure off popular beach areas. In addition, all recommendations either require dogs to be fully under the direct control of a leash, or within enclosed spaces. This is clearly outlined in the two reports attached to the agenda:
Agenda Item 4 report from the Saanich Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, includes the following recommendations:
- Create designated pathways in Gyro Park that allow leashed-dogs to be walked May 1 – Aug 31 (pathway option diagrams included). Currently dogs are prohibited from the entire park after 9am during this period.
- Improve signage related to dogs.
- Request that UVic re-open of its field on Cedar Hill Cross Road to the public and off-leash dogs, to assist in alleviating dog-related pressures in the region.
- Deploy a temporary “roving” dog park pilot in Saanich Parks, for trial and research purposes.
Agenda item 5 memo includes the recommendations and discussion from the Saanich Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee that was submitted to Saanich Staff.
Instructions to the public on how to participate in the meeting is provided below:
_____________________________
This email is notification that the Report: Issues Regarding Dogs in Parks and 2021 Off-Leash Pilot Project will be considered by Saanich Council at a Committee of the Whole Meeting to be held on May 17, 2021 in Council Chambers, Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue, commencing at 7:00 p.m.
As per the Order of the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Emergency Program Act, Ministerial Order No. M192, public attendance at the meeting is not required. Please email council@saanich.ca or call 250-475-5501 to indicate that you wish to present verbal input via teleconference or MS Teams during the meeting.
The report and agenda package are available for viewing on the Saanich website at www.saanich.ca/agendas
Written correspondence received up to 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be copied to Council for their consideration. Correspondence should be sent to council@saanich.ca, mailed to the address noted above, or placed in the drop box at Saanich Municipal Hall. All correspondence submitted to the District of Saanich in response to our notification of meeting, will form part of the public record. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment via email and teleconference.
Please note that due to COVID-19 measures, Saanich is closed to the public for the meeting. Further information can be requested from the Legislative Division, via email at council@saanich.ca , or via telephone 250-475-5501, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding weekends and statutory holidays.
As per the Order of the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Emergency Program Act, Ministerial Order No. M192, public attendance at the meeting is not required if it cannot be accommodated in accordance with the applicable requirements or recommendations under the Public Health Act.
Petra Eng
Committee Clerk Assistant
Legislative Services Division
District of Saanich
770 Vernon Ave
Victoria, BC V8X 2W7
