Tony Alter / CC
Saugeen Shores is deferring a decision to expand access to dogs on municipal waterfronts.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau says they received a report during their June 12 meeting to pass a by-law to authorize the expansion following public consultations.
“We did a survey and also received a fair bit of feedback from the public on whether or not we ought to expand access to dogs on the waterfront in Saugeen Shores, and we heard back from the public that there was interest in arguing that and they also gave us some feedback on where they might want to see that happen,” says Charbonneau.
In the report from Chief Building Official Josh Planz, two areas were recommended to allow dog access, north of the flagpole in Southampton to the Saugeen River, as well as in Port Elgin from 538 Izzard to Concession 6/Bruce Road 25.
“Council had a look at that recommendation and had some concerns, I think particularly with the beach that was being suggested in Port Elgin. Just about how busy a beach it is and how dogs could be permitted there and have them interact well with people and making sure that we get appropriate by-law enforcement in place,” says Charbonneau.
He adds they want to make sure the beach they select is somewhere they can easily enforce the by-law.
When asked if the municipality would consider additional locations beyond opening two, Charbonneau says they have arrived at the areas they believe to be suitable.
“I think at this point, the areas that we are looking at now are the areas that we are going to be looking at. I don’t anticipate we are going to be adding new ones to the list, except possibly sort of refining those areas even further,” says Charbonneau.
While he was not able to confirm when staff will be returning with an updated report, he hopes they can come back with a suitable approach relatively soon.