Some Burnaby pet owners believe the city needs another designated off-leash space.
A Change.org petition organized by Athena Wong is calling for a fenced-in off-leash dog area to be installed at Avondale Park.
Wong claims there's ample space to have a dog-designated area at the north side of the park while keeping part of the grass area for other activities.
She notes there is already a tap for water at the park, making it ideal for both people and dogs.
The petition says there used to be a dog park by Gilmore SkyTrain station and an off-leash park is needed in the Cascade-Schou area.
As of this publication (July 27), close to 100 people have signed the online petition.
Willingdon Heights and Barnet Marine parks
In December 2021, Mayor Mike Hurley and councillors approved two more off-leash parks in the community, including an enclosure at Willingdon Heights Park and an expansion of the existing dog area at Barnet Marine Park.
Operational time changes were also approved.
The city plan included an open area within Willingdon Heights Park being to be sectioned off with fencing to demarcate the designed open grass area for dogs.
Staff consideration would also be given to making the fence taller and adding buffer planning along the Douglass Avenue street frontage to address safety issues.
A city survey showed 87 per cent of respondents in support of the off-leash area development at the park.
Currently, the off-leash dog area at Barnet Marine Park is an un-fenced walking path.
The expansion includes an increase of the length of the trail from 400 to 900 metres.
The city says stated changes would include the addition of dog control etiquette signage, garbage receptacles for crab waste and the addition of washrooms.
Facility use hours are also being changed to align with general park operating hours, specifically in the summer.
A separate survey said 92 per cent of respondents supported the expansion of existing off-leash areas, while 91 per cent agreed with removing time restrictions in the summer (7 a.m. to dusk).
