After two failed attempts, the third try to get a dog park built in the South End is on track, with a report headed to the community services committee next week seeking approval to begin construction.
The park will be built on two hectares of city land at the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex. Costs will total about $37,000 for fencing and site preparation. Parking spots could be added to the existing lot for the arena if they are needed.
“The proposed facility is within walking distance to many subdivisions,” says a staff report on the plan. “The site exhibits very good sightlines regarding safety from all vantage points, as it is mostly flat with some rolling terrain and minor elevations. It appears to drain well, which is conducive to minimal standing water. Residents are more than 50 metres away from the perimeter of the proposed site, satisfying the recommended setback distance.”
The park is located the far end of the arena property, with the closest home at lest 50 metres away from the perimeter. It was approved using a site selection criteria and designed approved in April aimed at avoiding clashes with people who live near the parks.
The York K9 Club first tried to build a park in 2017, and receiving funding to build at Riverdale Playground.
“This project was put on hold due to concerns received from the abutting property owner,” the report says. “After further review and consultation, the City of Greater Sudbury determined that an alternate location would be a better fit.”
A plan to build it at the city parking lot on York Street also failed because of concerns by neighbouring property owners, leading to the creation of the site selection criteria.
There are currently two such parks in the city: one in Minnow Lake off of Donna Drive, and one in Azilda on MR15. Both have separate fenced enclosures for big (25 pounds or heavier, 15 inches tall from the shoulder) and smaller (under 25 pounds, shorter than 15 inches) canines.
Pet owners can bring a maximum of three dogs at a time, must scoop their pup's poop, and ensure their pet behaves and be ready to leash them if necessary. Dogs that are in heat, are sick or younger than four months are not permitted. And if they act aggressively, owners must remove them from the area immediately. If you're younger than 12, you must be accompanied by an adult.
More information can be found here.
