A constituent has recently written in requesting that a dedicated leash free fenced-in dog park be established in the City of Guelph. What do you think? Is there a need in Guelph for such an area? Where would it be located? Do the existing leash free areas suit the needs of dog owners? Are there conflicts with dog owners, joggers, cyclists and families in your park?
We are writing to ask you to consider our request to establish dedicated, fenced-in, leash-free dog run areas in Guelph.
At this time, Guelph has no such provision. As a result there are conflicts between walkers, joggers, cyclists and dog owners. Most dog owners are aware that dogs need off-leash time for their (and their owners’) mental and physical health. The establishment of these areas could relieve tensions. They could also act as a “user-friendly” incentive for potential residents, and relieve the pressure to police the City’s parks.
Hamilton has a fenced in area, just behind its Humane Society Building. The result is that responsible, civic minded dog owners share time with each other and with healthy, happy pets. They provide a kind of responsible “ownership” of the area, policing it, picking up after their dogs, and generally ensuring that the place is self-monitored and run. The presence of people and dogs also acts to discourage vandalism.
There are several opportunities in Guelph to establish similar areas with the introduction of just one wall of cyclone fencing and a style/gate entrance.
Please consider our request to make Guelph a better and healthier place for all of us. JG
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I appreciate your concerns for the conflicting use between casual park users and dogs running off-leash in designated leash-free zones, or in accordance with our Park Regulations. Your email is timely, as staff have been requested to investigate a code of conduct for joggers, cyclists and patrons of our leash-free areas, including opportunities to appropriately signed leash-free zones.
I am familiar with the type of leash-free areas you have referenced, and I have worked closely with formalized leash-free groups/volunteers in the past to establish fully enclosed dog runs. Recognizing facility upgrades with come with a cost, any approved recommendations to upgrade our current facilities will be subject to the availability of funds. Staff
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10 Comments
April 5, 2007 at 2:55 pm
I do not feel there is any one location that would work for most dog owners. The cost to fence one or more areas would be prohibitive. Walkers, dog owners and cyclists must learn to coexist in the use of common space. I suggest leaving things as they are.
May 4, 2007 at 12:23 pm
I like the idea of a reasonably-sized fenced area in smaller parks in areas with a higher population concentration. I’ve seen it in England where it appears to work reasonably well there (as well as making bylaw enforcement easier). Exhibition Park, downtown by the Boathouse, and Riverside come to mind.
I also believe we should continue to have at least three or four non-fenced major trail areas that are clearly marked and totally open to off-leash dogs as well as these fenced sites. Folks worried about off-leash dogs could use at their own discretion.
And, both a dog owner and as a Guelphite that pays taxes, I absolutely understand that it’s tough to have to endure restrictions for the sake of a few “bad apples” (but I do want to make sure no-one is injured), I know budget is always an issue, and I support a staggered introduction of the fenced areas — first in neighbourhoods with the most population, complaints and concerns. And then any further roll-out could be supported by comments from all types of park users.
Hope that is useful input.
July 3, 2007 at 11:18 pm
I would think that with such a wonderful Veterinary University in our area that this would already be in place. Why not make Guelph one of the top dog-friendly cities in Ontario! Here is a wonderful example of a fenced in dog park with a shaded area, agility runs, boardwalks and water hoses and doggy pools for those hot summer days! Worth the cost of the dog license.
http://www.totoredaca.org/
November 15, 2009 at 12:51 pm
I totally agree with having a fenced in area for dogs. I have spoken to some of my friends and they totally agree. It will be safer for the little puppies to be running around and safer for the joggers, children etc. I know Thunder Bay has a couple of them and speaking to the dog owners there, they love it because it is an area just for the dogs and both dogs and the public are safe. One lady said that it was the best thing the city came up with. The unfenced area are not safe for everyone. I am in for a fenced in area.
March 26, 2008 at 3:38 pm
As an owner of 2 Golden Retrievers, we would love to have a fenced area in Guelph to be able to take our dogs to run and play. This allows dog lovers/owners to meet and keeps the joggers/walkers safe and away!!
Guelph is a big city now and our puppies need a place of their own to romp!
July 11, 2008 at 11:21 am
I recently moved to Guelph from Mississauga, and I was very disappointed to find out that there are no fenced in leash free zones. My dogs are always well behaved, but it makes me very nervous if they get carried away and do not have a fence to keep them safe.
Leash Free Mississauga’s website is http://www.caninefriends.com/
The members all pay annual fees and are responsible for most of the upkeep of the parks. The system works wonderfully, it would be amazing to see a similar one in place for Guelph.
Thank you!
September 24, 2008 at 12:52 pm
It is very important for the well being of dogs to run and socialize with other dogs. It makes them a happy, healthy well behaved dog.
It is one of my pet peeves that Guelph is know for it’s Veterinary University so it would make sense that Guelph should have a fenced in leash free zone.
I have already lost my husky mix dogs twice in Guelph’s leash free zones ( all with no fences). We need a fenced in zone. I am willing to pay a member ship fee. Right now I drive my dogs to the fenced in zone in Milton so my dogs can run and have fun!
Please consider the need to have a save, clean and friendly fenced in dog park for Guelph.
Thank you,
Gail Nisbet
March 27, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I would love to see Guelph have a fenced in leash free area. Asking dogs to coexist with joggers and cyclists while off leash is putting everyone at risk. It would provide dogs with the safest environment in which to play, socialize and get their much needed exercise.
March 28, 2009 at 2:21 pm
I think it is ridiculous that a city of this size does not have such a place to take their dogs to. Look at the number of dogs living in Guelph and it is obvious that there should be such a place.
September 23, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Ok, so why has nothing happened? We need to form a committee and get some serious lobbying done, I think. We’ve got some further ideas on our website, http://www.bojtar.ca/Home/Blog/Entries/2009/9/23_Guelph_Dogs.html, as well as a comments section. Let’s see if we can’t get some changes made!