The North Perth Dog Park Committee had a delegation at North Perth Council at the meeting on Monday, November 3.
Committee Chair Doug Grant says the group, which formed in 2023, is aiming to bring a multi-section dog park to Listowel. He says they envision having multiple amenities, including a shade structure for dog owners to stand under as the dogs play, and they want the park to help bring the community together.
"We're looking at putting in three different sections. We want a large dog section, a small dog section and a mixed section. Having three sections, it will allow us to rent out sections, as well, if people wanted to have an event there, we could do that," Grant explained.
Grant says they asked council on Monday to set aside money to help cover the costs of establishing a driveway and parking lot at the preferred site, which is just north of the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex in Listowel.
"That would be $80-$100,000. We're trying to raise through our events, and selling advertising for the park, we're hoping to get about $40,000 through that. And then about $10,000 in just general donations. We've also applied to a couple grant programs, too," added Grant.
The total project cost would be roughly $150,000. The committee wants construction to get going in early spring of next year with the park opening in late spring or early summer. Grant adds that the committee realizes the town is growing rapidly, with a lot more smaller lots with less space for dogs, and other factors that a dog park would help with.
"Listowel especially, we're growing up. We are getting more apartment buildings and people don't have the area to get their dogs out. So this is not only just for the dogs but also for the social aspect, where people can come to the park and meet other dog owners, and create new friendships that way," said Grant.
Fundraising details can be found on the North Perth Dog Park Facebook page and the North Perth website.
