Parks For All

Saanich’s parks belong to all its residents. I support continued efforts to arrive at a balanced approach that provides reasonable opportunities for people to enjoy park spaces with their pets while protecting other users, wildlife and environmentally sensitive areas.
 

Dog owners need convenient, safe and geographically distributed places to exercise their pets. Saanich should continue developing well-designed leash-optional areas while ensuring that they are accessible, appropriately maintained and suitable for different users.
 

At the same time, some natural areas, sports fields, beaches and heavily used trails require additional protection or separation. Decisions should reflect environmental evidence, public safety, accessibility and the needs of people who may be uncomfortable around dogs.

The Current Strategy
I support the principles and goals of the current Strategy, including its goals to: create a diversity of opportunities in parks for people with pets; and to improve protection of important and natural environmental areas. I also do not believe these goals as written are contentious or unbalanced.

Unfortunately, the execution of the Strategy continues to divide the community and has resulted in lack of compliance with existing bylaws, vandalism and, in some cases, significant discord between residents on all sides of the issue. I cannot believe that the current state has to be our end state.

Time For Review

No policy should be immune from review and the potential for evidence-based adjustments when appropriate. I believe Council should provide new engagement opportunities for all stakeholders, including dog owners, other park users and environmental organizations to identify problems and propose improvements to the Strategy.

Based on what they hear and a review of sound evident, Council should then be prepared to modify the existing Strategy in order to arrive at a better state of practical coexistence.