Staff is recommending Sarnia council approve an Off Leash Dog Park Pilot Project in Germain Park for a one year period beginning in the spring of 2017, subject to budget deliberations.
The approximately one acre site would be on the south border of Germain, east of the lawn bowling parking lot. It would consist of an "all breeds" area as well as a separate space for small and senior dogs.
Parks and Recreation staff will maintain the area but will not be responsible for the clean up of any dog waste. That will be left up to the owners.
Neighbourhood resident Marian Glover plans to speak in opposition.
"I think city staff spent all of its time with the off leash dog group and hardly any time advising the neighbours and seeking their opinion," says Glover. "The park is extremely busy and two years ago the city recommended they not put it in Clearwater Park because of the sports groups. Here we have a busier park with more children, more activities, a playground and a school directly across the street. The feces is a huge health issue. Waste Management has provided a beautiful off leash park. I've been out there and there is feces but that's what happens when you self-regulate. I don't think taxpayers should have to incur the costs of this either."
It's proposed the $20,000 start up cost be included in the Parks and Recreation Capital Budget.
