ST. PAUL – After hosting an open house on July 9 and offering residents the chance to offer their opinion in an online survey, the results of the community engagement around a proposed dog park for the Town of St. Paul were presented to council on July 22.
The proposed locations for the dog park are Kendelstick Park or Elks Park.
During the last regular council meeting, CAO Steven Jeffery briefed council with the results of the community engagement. Overall, 74 people voted for Elks Park, and 100 people voted for Kendelstick Park as the preferred location.
Regarding the online survey, 13 respondents did not vote but expressed their opinions and suggestions.
Colliers, the real estate services and investment management that held the online survey and the open house for the Town of St. Paul, indicated in its report that “comments reflect a divided community sentiment regarding the proposed dog park in St. Paul.”
Those in favour of a dog park say it is long overdue, citing potential benefits like the enhancement of community value, while those against it express that the money for the dog park could be better used for other purposes, like road repairs.
“There are also logistical concerns raised, such as vaccination enforcement, cleanliness, and the practicality of implementing and maintaining rules within the park,” states the report.
Some members of the community are against both the proposed locations “due to their proximity to residential areas, limited parking, and concerns over noise and disruption,” reads the report, adding, many residents are suggesting alternative locations farther away from residential areas.
Suggestions for alternative areas include RCMP Park, or an area by the soccer fields.
Jeffery, while presenting the report, said there were also discussions with the Town’s Parks and Recreation advisory board. The advisory board suggested the Town could consider an alternate location.
Jeffery suggested an area north of the Iron Horse campground, which is also near the soccer fields.
Coun. Nathan Taylor said he appreciated the suggestion, but since the area is big, council would have to consider how big the dog park would be. If it’s going to be a small park in a large area, “There will be complaints going, ‘You’ve got all this land and you built that small of a fence’.”
Council also has to consider how much they would be willing to spend.
Taylor also asked if a dog park may be the best option to spend money on right now.
“We have an underfunded animal shelter seeking more help... so are we putting our money in the right spot?” he questioned.
Taylor acknowledged that many people want a dog park, “But at what cost?”
He also spoke about enforcement challenges.
“I’m curious on what our expectations are... not just the capital construction of the dog park... but the level of work and effort,” that a bylaw officer must do to enforce the dog park.
Taylor questioned that if they were to choose to enforce the dog park and ticket people who may be breaking the rules, would that also mean they would be ticketing people in other parks that are not designated dog parks.
“Are we creating more work for ourselves? This is my concern,” Taylor said.
Following the council briefing, Jeffery thanked the community for taking part in the engagement, assuring the community that all the information they provided will be considered moving forward, including concerns from groups who actively utilize Kendelstick Park and Elks Park.