City of Burlington will be Seeking Public Feedback on Wards 1 & 5 Leash-Free Area Concepts
At our June 21 meeting, Burlington City Council approved the following related to leash-free areas in Ward 1 and Ward 5:
- Direct the Director of Recreation, Community and Culture to complete public engagement to determine a preferred location for a leash free area in Ward 1 and Ward 5 as outlined in report recreation, community and culture department report RCC-07-22; and
- Direct the Director of Recreation, Community and Culture to put a hold on the leash free area application process until the update to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Assets Master Plan is completed.
For more background and details on the concepts for Ward 1 and Ward 5, please scroll further down this post.
- Staff report: RCC-07-22 Leash Free Site Application Options for Ward 1 and Ward 5
- Appendices:
MY TAKE:We know how much our residents love our furry friends. Providing opportunities for leash free parks within walking distance is better for the environment, reduces the need for people to drive, and provides a legal way for our dogs to run around in a safe, fenced area. I look forward to the opportunity to get more of these throughout our city.Stay tuned for news from the City on how you will be able to provide your feedback on these location concepts.
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BACKGROUND:In December 2019, Council approved report PR-12-19 Proposed Changes to the Leashfree Area Criteria to allow for more opportunities for leash free areas in parks. The approved criteria and process strive to deliver leash free areas in a thoughtfully planned and designed manner to accommodate all park users. The updates to the Leash Free Area Criteria identify two leash free area size classifications, destination and neighbourhood, to better meet different needs and to suit the character of the neighbourhood and park. The updated process for the construction of leash free areas includes planned park renewal or new park construction projects, or through an online application process for resident requests.Through the approved process, all online applications received prior to March 31 of each year will be reviewed by staff in relation to the Council approved Leash Free Area Criteria. Application(s) that meet the criteria will be reported to Council with recommendations in Q2 of that same year. Upon approval, staff will request funds through the capital budget process for the following year.In 2021, a new leash free area was constructed at Colin Alton Parkette through the new park development project. Two (2) applications for a leash free area were received through the online application process: Aldershot Community (Ward 1) and Orchard Community (Ward 5).LEASH-FREE AREA CONCEPTS FOR WARDS 1 & 5
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| Hidden Valley Park - Location 1Proposed Leash-Free Area Size -- 0.3 hectares (ha)Park Classification: Community | |
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| Orchard Community Park - Location 1Proposed Leash-Free Area Size -- 0.15 haPark Classification: Community | |
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| Orchard Community Park - Location 2Proposed Leash-Free Area Size -- 0.15 haPark Classification: Community | |
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| Pathfinder ParkProposed Leash-Free Area Size -- 0.10 haPark Classification: Neighbourhood | |
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