M I N U T E S

COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE

2005-01-28

Meeting No. 1

Attendance                                                                            

 

Chair:                 Councillor S. Daurio  

Members:           Councillor J. Webster

                           I. Johnston

                           D. Reynolds

                           A. Smith

M. Ingwersen, Manager, Parks

        Maintenance

P. Saito, Councillor, Mississauga

B. Labelle, Committee Clerk

 

The Community Issues Committee convened at the hour of 2:00 p.m. with Councillor S. Daurio in the Chair.

 

 

1.         DOG OFF LEASH UPDATE

 

Councillor Pat Saito, Mississauga, Ward Nine (9), was in attendance to present information regarding the organization and operation of off eight (8) dog off-leash parks in Mississauga. She noted that the City of Mississauga held public meetings to discuss the proposal and had great attendance all the way through the process. Initially, there were areas designated for off-leash activities and roped off accordingly, however, it did not provide for an environment that was easily controlled and or enforced.

 

Councillor Saito acknowledged that informal dog clubs began to organize themselves around the issue and began working with her and Mississauga Parks staff to develop a pilot program. These clubs eventually converged to operate under a more formal community banner named “Leash-free Mississauga”, as it was noted that Mississauga Council preferred to deal with one main organization, rather than a myriad of park-specific groups. She noted that the representative acting on behalf of the group was well versed on the issue and engaged Council in a tactful manner, being sensitive to and prepared for, the many concerns they raised.

 

The Committee discussed the composition of the community-based organizations and Leash-free Mississauga. It was acknowledged that an off-leash park would only open if there were a community group prepared to assume responsibility for it. Each group would do most of the administration, maintenance, and policing of their park while the City of Mississauga would assist with such things as garbage collection, snow removal, and animal enforcement when necessary. The City would also provide equipment such as lawnmowers and trimmers to be used by the community groups. Councillor Saito noted that annual membership fees for Leash-free Mississauga vis-à-vis the community group was fifteen (15) dollars for the first dog and five (5) for the second, and even though non-members could use the off-leash areas it appeared as though most users were members. Members assembled under a representative Committee and Chair whom met on occasion to decide upon fund raising activities, allocation of monies collected and other specific park related issues. The City of Mississauga did provide some initial financial support to the group when establishing a new park, but collected after fundraising had been done and membership fees had been taken in.

 

Members conversed on the necessity for the installation of appropriate signage to clearly express the rules and regulations associated with that park. Councillor Saito indicated that she and other staff members met with the city’s risk management team, By-law enforcement and Parks departments to develop regulations that would be in the best interests of the City and surrounding community. Demanding that the pet owner accompany their dog within the boundaries of the off-leash area is a regulation clearly posted at all off-leash parks in Mississauga. All existing signage also indicates that by entering the off-leash area, an individual assumes responsibility for their own safety as well as for the actions of their pet.

 

Councillor Saito described that ideal locations for the development off leash parks were those areas removed from residential districts. Jack Darling Park, 1180 Lakeshore Road West, was noted as being one of the most ideal in Mississauga as it was at least four hundred feet (400ft) away from a residential area. It encompassed a widespread, linear area with a number of paths and walking trails for pets and their owners. It also includes sections designated for ‘time-outs’ in the event that a dog becomes disruptive or needs to be removed from the other animals. In general, locations adjacent to or on hydro corridors, parkway built lands or industrial areas were noted as model grounds for parks. It was also suggested that farm fencing was a fairly cost effective method to close in off-leash areas.

 

Councillor Saito acknowledged that the lawn within the fenced in off-leash area will sustain heavy damage and require reseeding every year. A wood chip based covering has been used in a few parks in Mississauga to decrease the costs associated with reseeding and to reduce the amount of mud build up in the off-leash area. She noted that wood chips were being used because they were easier on the dogs than a sand based alternative.

 

The Committee posed questions relating to noise and animal control. Due to the allowance of off-leash parks in Mississauga, Councillor Saito noted that the municipality has been able to engage a zero tolerance policy with respect to animals being off-leash anywhere else in the city. This has generally provided for a more safe and controlled environment at large. She mentioned that there had not been a large number of noise complaints to date. To ensure that a location was suitable, staff will attend an area and provide an assessment as to whether it is an appropriate site. Councillor Saito affirmed that the dog-leash park initiative has increased the number of licensed dogs in Mississauga, as animal control will often set up at a park to register and sell tags on site.

 

Members queried Councillor Saito on a number of issues relating to the maintenance and composition of the most popular off-leash parks in Mississauga. She indicated that parking can be a problem for many areas and that the City of Mississauga, in conjunction with other private parties, did provide for some parking following an estimation of who will actually be using the facilities. She also noted that to encourage pet responsibility, poop and scoop bags were provided for at the entrance of each location. She indicated that most parks closed at 10:00 pm or 11:00 pm depending on their location and usage. Councillor Saito also noted that it was important to ensure that the off-leash section was located away from those areas heavily used by general park patrons. This would help to reduce noise level while increasing conflict avoidance.

 

Councillor Saito noted that the community groups responsible for controlling the neighbourhood off-leash parks were covered under the City of Mississauga’s insurance policy and that favourable lease terms were often extended to support their involvement. She also highlighted details regarding facility lighting, the use of dog agility equipment, on site storage for maintenance equipment, washrooms, park sponsors, and cosmetic enhancements designed to make the off-leash areas more attractive.

 

The Committee thanked Councillor Saito for her presentation and indicated that the information she conveyed will be infinitely valuable to the Town of Markham.

 

 

2.         REVIEW OF TOWN OF MARKHAM’S DRAFT

            RULES OF CONDUCT, GUIDELINES, CRITERIA

            AND SIGNAGE

 

THE COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

 

That this issue be deferred until the next meeting of the Community Issues Committee.

 

 

3.         ADJOURNMENT

 

The first (1st) meeting of the Community Issues Committee adjourned at 4:20 p.m.