Councillors will wait for report on dog fence
Pet owners push for barrier at off-leash area in Lauderdale
City councillors want to wait for a report on the future of all Edmonton off-leash areas before deciding whether to fence the Grand Trunk dog park.
Four pet owners insisted Monday the popular Lauderdale dog-walking site should have a barrier to stop their animals from running onto the road.
“It’s clear the community not only needs this park, but needs it to be safe,” Lisa Brown told the community services committee.
“What is it going to take for the City of Edmonton to (realize) that this is a disaster waiting to happen?” she added.
Grand Trunk is bordered by busy 113A Street, 127th Avenue and 129th Avenue.
At least three dogs have been killed or injured in the last decade running into traffic, owner Sujatha Fernando said.
“Even the best-trained dogs can be distracted,” she said.
“If there was a fence, drivers would not have to worry about slamming on their brakes to avoid dogs.”
Neighbourhoods branch manager Heather McRae said they’re reviewing all 40 Edmonton off-leash parks this year.
The study, including surveys and meetings with users that start in May, will look at such factors as design and policies, she said.
“The onus is on pet owners to be in control of their dogs at all times.”
A report should be ready by the end of the year.
If councillors want to pay special attention to Grand Trunk and decide a fence is required, it could be constructed by late 2016.
But Linda Cochrane, general manager of the community services department, warned the four speakers might not represent the whole community.
“It’s a sensitive issue … If we put any kind of fencing in that area outside the review, we could create greater dissatisfaction.”
Coun. Dave Loken is willing to wait for staff to finish their review before taking further steps.
“We have to be patient. If there’s immediate concerns, like with Grand Trunk, then maybe we can do something sooner.”
Loken understands the passion the dog owners’ passion, saying he has a welltrained golden retriever he won’t let off the leash.
“If he sees a rabbit, or a ball is thrown in front of him, he goes for it,” he said. “You do have a responsibility, but these are animals,” he added. gkent@edmontonjournal. com