Amend bylaw to allow more on-leash dogs in local parks: Couns. Watt, Cassidy

Two District of West Vancouver councilors, Christine Cassidy and Linda Watt, are bringing a notice of motion at a council meeting today, October 16, with an aim to amend the district bylaws to allow more on-leash dogs at local parks.

They want the district staff to amend the Animal Control and Licence Bylaw to allow leashed dogs on the Centennial Sea Walk, not including the commercial dog walkers. They also want the council to direct staff to re-route the dog path to Ambleside Sea Walk close to the beach area to allow for dogs on a leash, not including commercial dog walkers.

The current bylaw prohibits dogs from the Centennial Sea Walk and the Ambleside Sea Walk,  from 13^th Street to where the dog park starts.

They also want staff to eliminate the 5-metre setback in the bylaw to allow leashed dogs along the paved pathway in the Horseshoe Bay Park, but not including commercial dog walkers.

“Eliminating the setbacks makes the Animal Control Bylaw easier to enforce as there is currently no mechanism to enforce the 5-metre setback,” they write. “It is also in line with the District and the City of North Vancouver regulations, making it easier for dog walkers and others to understand the rules across the three municipalities.”

The changes in the bylaw would cost approximately $7,400 to manage dog waste in the newly allowed areas, and cost $6,300 annually.

“Parks and trails are where residents go to walk, hike, relax, socialise and for dog owners to walk their dogs. With population growth, smaller living spaces and the increase in dog ownership over the past several years, a review of the District’s Animal Control Bylaw and associated legislation, could help ensure the District of West Vancouver is keeping up to date with how all residents use and enjoy their parks and trails,” their notice says.