Metro Vancouver is revamping the way it manages dogs in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve and is seeking public opinion on dogs in the reserve.
The questionnaire seeks comments about concerns related to dogs and the on-leash and off-leash designation of dogs in the reserve.
Metro Vancouver implemented a dog management strategy within the LSCR in the 2003 management plan.
Dogs are not permitted on the Seymour Valley Trailway, the Fisherman’s Trail (north of the Homestead Trail junction) and the Rice Lake Loop Trail.
However, dogs are permitted on trails below Rice Lake gate and the Homestead Trail, as long as they are under control.
According to Metro Vancouver, a dog under control means, it is within 10 metres of the owner at all times, and returns immediately when called. It also means the dog is not annoying, harassing, chasing, or attacking any other person or animal.
Staff has also worked closely with the Dog Patrol, a volunteer group involved in monitoring and public education of dog walking.
According to Metro Vancouver, as additional trails are established, opportunities for dog access will be evaluated. Visitor safety will remain the highest priority in managing dogs.
The present system provides 65 kilometers of trail access for dog walking and includes two designated off-leash trails.
Deb says
Please keep off leash areas as us and add Lynn loop as off leash.
Ariane says
Stop taking away off leash areas!!! Most dogs are just fine and a few grumpy people ruin it but everyone!
Kelly says
We have been walking/ hiking the area for years with many dogs. Never a problem, 99% of the time. Only problem I have had is with a miserable dog hater that, as he passed me screamed obscenities and the dog and I and scared the heck out of us. The dog barked and the miserable man threatened to kick the dog. Would
Be wonderful to make Lynn Loop off leash.
Joey says
I’m a huge supporter of dogs being off leash. I also feel this definition of “under control” is rarely followed by owners of off leash dogs. I would think the best way to encourage the city to have more off leash trails goes hand in hand with more owners to follow the above definition of “under control” with their dogs.
Dorothy D. Barkley says
The North Shore trails are delightful but for the aggressive cyclists who don’t believe in the use of bells or shouting to let people know of their approach. The many near & actual incidents of ugly interactions caused by such cyclists with pedestrians and dogs is an ongoing tragedy. There are many lovely recreational cyclists who yield to pedestrians and dogs, as they do to the bikes, but the commuters and competitive cyclists are a danger to themselves and everyone around them when they go on well-used trails and expect everyone to yield to them….when we don’t even hear them coming. I might add that electric bikes, unicycles and scooters are also posing a new challenge for pedestrians and dogs, as they are becoming more frequent users of different trails – especially popular and busy trails such as Inter-River. These interactions do not have to happen if the cyclists would extend a modicum of respect and courtesy to the pedestrians and dogs they share the trails with.
Elwood P. Dowd says
D.D. Barkley
Your concern, re bells, is understood. One of the reasons that many cyclists don’t yell or bell, is that it is very common for pedestrians to turn to check and walk right in front of you. If you don’t warn them, they will keep walking straight.
Try it sometime, walking at a decent pace and turn around to see who is coming. Not many can do it without changing direction.
I used to use a bell in Calgary, but too many close calls so gave it up.
My usual approach is to slow and give a wide berth. Tough to do on Lyons Gate Bridge though.
Roberta says
I would love for the district to expand off leash and or on leash trails within LSCR. The North Shore offers too few swimming places for dogs and access for a place to cool off our furry friends on our hot summers are essential to keeping our pet’s comfortable and safe. Lynn headwaters area should also include hiking with dogs North of homestead trail. Bikers are allowed everywhere it seems that we are forever increasing where they can ride without thinking about our safety against them. Keeps bikes to biking trails and give families with dogs more space
Loren Moyes says
I have been using the Richard Juryn area for years without one confrontation with walkers and dogs. The confrontation is bikes billowing down the road to the new suspension bridge at 40 to 50 k per hour or the same on the blind corners on th east side along the power lines on the Richard Juryn trail. No notice they are coming until they are upon you. This is the same with grandchildren with or without dogs as we have done so. I have asked bikers to slow down and I ge F off. Nice
A. Greene says
Please don’t take away anymore off leash trails as there are lots of places for people to walk that dogs aren’t allowed or need to be leashed. Dog owners and pups need areas to roam freely for exercise and the majority of dogs are well behaved. Over 1 in 3 people have a dog in their home and need places to go that are not restricted.
Dogs also love to swim and need areas to cool off in the summer and play.
On the side…I do find that people on bikes are the ones that need some education on how to behave on the trails. I can’t count how many times we have had to jump off paths where bikes have come bombing down at high speed on non designated bike trails.
Elaine says
There is SOOOOO many places that dogs are not allowed to go already, let the crabby people without dogs seek out those areas. We are limited to dog off leash areas, we can’t cut back, we need more space!
JF says
The numerous aggressive cyclists literally ruin almost every trail. They NEVER indicate that they are behind you then pass within centimeters of people and dogs. I hate them! On the other hand, I have never had a single problem with a dog on the trails. Please remove cyclist access to the trails. I say this as a commuter cyclist. I don’t hate cyclists except for the ones on the trails. 99.9% of them are white men. Just a fact. The rest are recreational cyclists (including many women and kids) who are polite. Unfortunately the others give all cyclists a bad name. I fully support off leash trails for dogs – the more the better! More dogs – yes!!! No more cyclists putting everyone at risk please.