Saanich staff have provided official notification that the Animals Bylaw Amendment – Gyro Park will be considered by Saanich Council at a Special Council meeting to be held on Monday, October 18, 2021, in Council Chambers, Saanich Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue, commencing at 7:00 p.m.
Please visit the Saanich website to find out how you can participate, and to access the official agenda and reports (Note: As at Oct. 14, all material is now posted).
https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/local-government/mayor-council/schedule-agendas-minutes.html
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.
CBRA has submitted a letter to Council, reflecting that the CBRA Board has voted to do three things:
- Investigate a harmonious solution to the conflict.
- To ask the powers that be to use our report and especially the community input in making their decisions.
- To support equitable access and safety for diverse users.
LETTER FROM CBRA
October 6, 2021
Dear Mayor and Council,
We note that, on June 10, the Canadian Wildlife Service asked Saanich to restrict dogs in migratory bird sanctuaries. This includes Cadboro Bay Beach below the high tide line.
In 2020, we studied this matter for five months. We consulted the community. Public response was compelling. The result: almost all wanted to protect wildlife and maintain beach access for recreation, nature appreciation and community connection. Simple rules and clear signage are also needed.
On August 31, 2020, we gave our report to Council (https://cadboro.ca/dog-study). Now Saanich has launched a district-wide study on People, Pets and Parks. The result will not be known until 2023.
Will Saanich try to satisfy the Canadian Wildlife Service before the People, Pets and Parks study is complete? We don’t know. If it does, it should consider:
1. Aligning the words of any bylaw with the federal regulation. There is no reason for Saanich law to be more stringent.
2. Rescinding the seasonal dog ban in Cadboro-Gyro Park. This park and beach are valued by diverse people of all ages and abilities, including families with and without dogs. No members of our community should be excluded from safe access pathways, parking lots, greenspaces and washrooms located in the heart of the Cadboro Bay neighborhood. One single rule for all users year-round would allow for the safest and most equitable use of this community resource.
3. Setting up an off-leash enclosed area like the summer pop-up dog park. This would provide at least some relief for people with dogs who need more exercise than leashed walking can provide.
Yours,
Liz Miller, BA, LLB
Chair, CBRA on behalf of
Cadboro Bay Residents Association
