On May 1, 2020, I adopted a wonderful Heinz 57 puppy we named Ozzy.
He has been a joy for us over the year which has been so difficult for many people adapting to the realities of pandemic life. Although it has been difficult to adopt dogs from out of Canada due to the pandemic, there has been growing interest in dog adoptions locally and in particular from rescue agencies.
So the recent increase in dog purchases or adoptions has me puzzled why the City of North Vancouver seems to be on a mission to decrease their off leash dog parks – exactly at the time you’d think they should be increasing this type of walking space – not decreasing the number of off-leash space they already have.
I’m all for more fenced in dog parks but nothing can replace the ability to walk or hike with your dog which of course improves your exercise level as well. Weight gain and lack of exercise has been noted during the pandemic since more people are stuck in front of their computers and not getting outside moving around as much.
Bonnie Henry has been consistent in this advice throughout the pandemic: get outdoors in open physically-distanced spaces. Fenced-in dog parks actually increase the congregation of people in one space.
So the closure of the off leash portion of the Lynn creek trail in CNV and now Kings Mill dog park near the auto mall is simply puzzling. Why close off-leash dog parks at exactly the same time there is more demand? It’s time to ask these questions to the City of North Vancouver mayor and council before they target your next dog-friendly walking or hiking area.
It seems like there is a pattern with CNV. The lovely fenced in dog park by MEC on Brooksbank that was announced with such fanfare also came with the cancellation of the off leash portion of the Lynn creek trail next door in the city of north van.
The District of North Vancouver has maintained the off leash part of the trail. Most people and dogs have not figured this out despite the confusing signs on both sides of the border between the district and city at the interchange bridges.
Although I welcome more enclosed dog parks, I think taking away the off leash trails in CNV is not a fair alternative.
Jane Thornthwaite is a former MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour
Bravo Jane, I am happy someone is on to this problem. Keep up the good work!
It’s a touchy subject that’s going to polarize people.
I have a question. What if an off leash dog, maybe yours, knocks over and seriously injured a senior citizen walk on the trail?
Is it the responsibility of the dog owner? Maybe the city. They said it’s ok no not be on an leash? Should the senior be responsible because it’s always a possibility?