Dog park users call for fence at Grand Trunk off-leash area
Group estimates cost at $70,000; willing to help raise money
Off-leash dog park users are calling on the city to fence in the Grand Trunk off-leash area.
"The streets around this off-lease park pose a serious danger both to the dogs that use the park the dog owners and the motorists," Ken Zahara told Edmonton AM on Tuesday.
Zahara, chair of the Grand Trunk Off Leash Dog Park Committee, said there are too many close calls with vehicles and dogs at the popular park.
"There have been animals that have been hit, and my understanding is at least two of them have died."
The busy park, north of 127th Avenue near 113 A Street, is next to two arterial roads, he said.
Zahara said his committee has priced out a standard chain link fence at about $70,000.
Edmonton is the only community in the capital region that does not fence in its dog parks, he said.
Zahara's group has been meeting with councillors and a report on the issue will be tabled at the City Services Committee meeting Monday.
The city has asked the committee to post an online survey with the goal of 500 respondents.
So far, out of 235 responses so far, 222 support a fenced-in park, Zahara said.
He said his group is willing to do fundraising to help out with the cost.
"We'd like to negotiate that and see where it goes."