Other Cities Have Taken Responsible Action
Any responsible municipal policy governing dogs in parks must establish fair and consistent criteria which when applied city-wide ensure access to parks by dogs with their owners as well as freedom from dogs where parks or parts of parks are not compatible with the presence of dogs.
Many other cities have established clear standards, guidelines and processes to minimize the conflict between dogs and people. They are fiscally responsible and have higher levels of enforcement. Toronto can learn from these.
We Expect the Same Responsible Leadership from Toronto City Council and Board of Health.
City of Hamilton
Concerns from citizens of the City of Hamilton regarding the presence of dogs at large in city parks prompted staff to develop a Leash Free Program Policy.
This policy provides a comprehensive framework for planning, design, construction, operation, regulation, funding, management and involvement in public leash free facilities and is now operational in the City of Hamilton.
City of Chicago
Chicago has a number of Dog Friendly Areas (DFA) located away from residents and children's play areas. That must adhere to Guidelines for AFAs All of the Chicago Park District DFA's are fenced areas for better maintenance and cleaning with pea gravel areas as elimination areas.
A DFA is the responsibility of dog owner groups to maintain. Before the construction of the DFA begins, the dog owner group must sign a Use Agreement with the Park District ensuring that they will be responsible for the clean up and maintenance of the DFA. If they do not adhere to this commitment the Chicago Park District closes down the park.
City Of Ottawa
Ottawa's Dog Parks Designation Policy was developed in consideration of all people who use City parkland. The policy establishes seeks to establish fair and consistent criteria which when applied city-wide, ensures access to parkland by dogs with their owners as well as freedom from dogs where parks, parts of parks, or park activity are not compatible with the presence of dogs. The policy provides for community involvement in the designation process.
Town of Markham
Both Mississauga and the Town of Markham have similar policies modeled on each other. By-Laws requiring dogs to be on leash everywhere in the cities are strictly enforced. These cities have a process to allow those residents wanting off leash areas to apply for the right to create them except in specific off leash designated areas. Both Cities assist in identifying appropriate areas for these parks.
In Markham local volunteer groups are responsible for the overall costs related to the implementation of new leash free areas. The local volunteer groups will install, operate and maintain the approved off leash areas. The committee reports to Council through an assigned Town of Markham staff member as required.
Both jurisdictions provide for interest free loans for the construction of fences and other amenities which are repaid to the City over 5 years. All Mississauga loans have been re-paid in advance of the deadline. Markham has also established a $40,000.00 loan fund which is used on a first come basis.