A recent survey suggests there’s community support for a new dog park in Georgian Bluffs.
More than two-thirds of respondents to a township-run engagement process supported the establishment of an off-leash dog park. Nearly 40 per cent of people identified Shallow Lake as the preferred location.
“Generally speaking there was some support for the township to continue looking at the dog park,” Georgian Bluffs CAO Niall Lobley explains. “Obviously, people like to see it as close as possible to their homes. But Shallow Lake was a fairly high priority for a potential dog park.”
Last year, a citizen group approached Georgian Bluffs council to request funding to help establish a dog park at a township-maintained property at the end of 2nd Street in Shallow Lake, near the rail trail parking lot.
They wanted a fenced in area that would include a shelter and seating, an access trail and newly planted trees. The estimated cost of the off-leash dog park project is $150,000. The arrangement previously brought to council would see the township cover half. Community fundraising, sponsorships and grants would pay for the other half.
Council didn’t end up including the dog park funding in Georgian Bluffs’ 2024 budget. Now, staff are recommending a request be prepared for consideration in the 2025 budget.
Lobley says in a report cost was the primary concern for about one-third of survey respondents who were opposed to the idea of an off-leash dog park.
“Concerns raised by those not in support highlighted concerns around costs, both in implementing and managing,” Lobley says.
The survey was conducted in May and June, both online and in-person. One-hundred and fifty-nine people took part, and 90 per cent of them were Georgian Bluffs residents.
The dog park survey results and recommendation will be discussed during council’s committee of the whole meeting Wednesday.