Dogs in Blenheim could soon have a spot to run free.
On Monday night, council will vote on some staff recommendations regarding an off-leash dog park in the community.
In March, South Kent Councillor Anthony Ceccacci brought forward a motion requesting that administration investigate and identify if there any suitable locations that meet site requirements for a dog park.
The 2007 Development Policy for Off-Leash Recreation Areas outlines the process and criteria that a dog park must follow while ensuring this use does not infringe on adjacent property owners.
According to the report coming to council, staff has selected the Stormwater Retention Area in Blenheim as the best site for the off-leash dog area. The site is located just east of St. Anne Catholic School, off of Little Street and Snow Avenue.
"Staff reviewed all municipally owned land parcels in the Community of Blenheim," the report stated. "It was determined that the Stormwater Retention Area is the only site that adheres to some of the policy’s mandatory criteria."
Some of the mandatory criteria include that the park is one to five acres in size, is fully accessible, is able to be maintained all year-round and is a minimum of 50 metres from the nearest residential building or structure.
The report also noted that sufficient clearance from the Stormwater Retention Area would be required to allow for maintenance and signage to ensure that dogs are not allowed to enter the water.
Proposed Blenheim dog park location (Photo via Municipality of Chatham-Kent)
Staff is requesting that council approve the next steps in the dog park development process including that a formal request be submitted to the municipal Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries Department.
Before considering an application for the development of an off-leash area, a volunteer committee of a minimum of 15 members over 18 years of age must be formed with a designated chairperson.
According to the report, the dog park committees for the Chatham and Wallaceburg sites raise funds annually and are responsible for several undertakings at the site including organizing regular park clean-ups, installing fencing, patrolling the park regularly, paying the electricity bills for lighting, keeping track of any significant problems at the park, and notifying the public about the park.
Meanwhile, municipal staff handle garbage removal and minor site repairs. Grass cutting is completed as indicated in the municipal grass-cutting contract.
Before any final decisions are made about the park location, there will be sufficient community engagement where staff will consult with other affected municipal business units and all residents that live within a 120-metre radius of the proposed site.
Administration will report to council with final recommendations for the park and all applicable development costs.
