Meaford is expanding how long dogs can be off leash at Memorial Park.
Council approved allowing dogs to be off leash between Nov. 1 to April 15 during a meeting on Monday, but limited that dogs can only be off leash in the upper campground area.
The park has historically been an area where dogs can run around off-leash during the campground’s annual seasonal closure.
In 2013, council approved allowing dogs to be off-leash at the park in a designated fenced area between December and March.
Last year, council heard from the community requesting an extension to those dates for Nov. 1 to April 15 yearly. Council directed staff to bring back a by-law to extend the dates at Memorial Park.
Manager of Parks and Recreation Rick McNutt and Manager of Municipal Enforcement Holly Hynes say in a report the current off-leash period allows for balanced community use of the park, protecting park resources, and creating a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors.
“Expanding the timeframe and continuing to allow off-leash access throughout the entire Memorial Park raises public safety concerns, particularly during periods of favourable weather when activity increases significantly,” McNutt and Hynes say in the report.
To address any liability concerns, staff recommended expanding the off-leash dates, but be limited to the upper section of the campground and the existing designated off-leash water portion of the park, instead of allowing dogs to run around throughout the park.
“This approach supports the safety and enjoyment of all users, both residents and non-residents while maintaining access for dog owners,” say McNutt and Hynes.