Fence proposed for north-Edmonton off-leash park has no bite, say dog owners
Laura Osman | CBC News | Posted: August 29, 2016 8:52 PM | Last Updated: August 29, 2016
Fence being considered as part of $270,738 worth of improvements to the Grand Trunk off-leash park
Dog owners in north Edmonton who have begged for a fence around their local off-leash park say councillors have instead put forward a proposal with no bite.
Ken Zahara, chair of the Grand Trunk off-leash dog park committee, spoke before council's community services committee on Monday to ask councillors to increase annual pet licence fees by $1 to pay for a fence around the park.
The off-leash area, which Zahara calls the most dangerous dog park in Edmonton, is bordered by three busy roads, including 127th Avenue. Park users say they often see dogs run into the road, and have heard of instances where dogs have been killed or injured.
But councillors voted down that idea, opting instead to partially fence the area with money already slated for other improvements to the park.
"It seemed to make sense on 127th," said Coun. Bev. Esslinger. "It should be standard if we have a high risk."
According to a city report, the estimated cost of a chain-link fence is $56,000, with a $6,563 annual maintenance fee.
Zahara said the idea to fence only part of the park won't be effective.
"It's either safe, or it isn't," he said. "Until it's fenced, it isn't safe."
Grand Trunk is the focus of city pilot project that could set the standard for all 40 of Edmonton's off-leash parks.
Monica Ostrum, a long-time resident of the Calder neighbourhood, said she would be disappointed to see a fence around the park.
She lamented the possible loss of open green space and said she expects garbage will build up along the chain-link fence.
"A once beautiful open green space will become an eyesore," Ostrum said.
The fence is being considered as part of $270,738 worth of other improvements to the park, including more trees and shrubs, waste bins, waste-bag dispensers and educational signs informing people of proper dog-park conduct.
If the community wants to build the entire fence, a city report suggests they pay the costs through fundraising and sponsorships over time.
City council will debate the improvements next Tuesday, before city staff move ahead with the plan.