Last Night, plans to develop more leash-free zones and give bylaw enforcement officers more authority was approved by a large margin at city hall.
The plan calls for community residents to band together and form an association which then must apply to have a leash-free zone created. If the area meets the requirements, is not apposed by area residents and is approved by city officials a new leash free area can be created.
What are the requirements you ask? There are some areas that will NOT be considered.
These are:
- Horticultural displays or ornamental gardens
- Playgrounds, splash pads or wading pools
- Skateboard bowls, tennis courts or other sports pads
- Sports fields
- Blue Flag-designated beaches
- Campgrounds
- Animal display areas
- Environmentally sensitive areas
- Wetlands and buffer zones
- Areas of scientific interest
- Area that have undergone significant habitat restoration.
In addition, some new rules require that area within 10 metres of horticultural displays, playgrounds, splash pads, wading polls and sports fields must be fenced in areas. Current large regional parks may not require a fenced in area but will be set aside specifically as an off-leash zone.
The city also has a plan in place to hire 10 additional bylaw officers (there are currently 11) who will have the power to request identification from owners, seize dogs, and hold irresponsible owners until police arrive. These bylaw officers will continue to have the authority to issue fines such as:
- $260 - $305 - For owners who commit infractions within off-leash areas
- $240 - For not having a dog license.
The new plan is estimated to cost the city 1.1 million a year to operate and $400,000 a year in costs including installation for fencing, barriers and maintenance.
The policy also prohibits female dogs in heat and non-neutered males from off-leash areas.
The city held five public meetings in June attended by about 345 members of the public and council members during which the proposals were discussed.
We want to hear what you think about the new plan. Visit our message board and post your comments - or, click the “comments” button below this article.
So, What do you do if you want to create a new off-leash zone in your neighbourhood?
1) Establish a local dog-owner association. You must provide the city with an association member list submitted to the director of Parks, Forestry and Recreation along with a proposal outlining why you feel the neighbourhood should have a leash-free zone.
2) City staff will review your proposal and contact the association contact after determining if the site requested is suitable. They will notify you if the location is approved or not.
3) If approved, the city will hold a public meeting allowing residents in the area to review the plan and finalize the off-lease zone size, hours of operation, rules and regulations, fencing and more.
More specific information does not seem to be available on the City Of Toronto web site yet - visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/dogs.htm for more information.
For more details visit: The Toronto Star, CityNews, 680 News, The Toronto Sun, The Globe & Mail
