Dogs Off Leash Area Criteria for Commercial Dog Walkers - by Councillor Dianne Saxe, seconded by Councillor Chris Moise

However, 2023.IE6.8 did not direct staff to develop criteria for determining which dog leash areas should be open to Commercial Dog Walkers, who typically handle multiple dogs at a time. Use of some Dogs Off-Leash Areas by Commercial Dog Walkers can create or exacerbate conflict between dogs and neighbouring residents, especially when the Dogs Off-Leash Area abuts homes without an intervening noise barrier. At present, some Dogs Off-Leash Areas are permitted to Commercial Dog Walkers and others are not. Parks, Forestry and Recreation does not have any criteria for determining which Dogs Off-Leash Areas should be permitted to Commercial Dog Walkers. It would be appropriate to include such criteria in the forthcoming Dogs Off-Leash Areas report. In the interim, heavy use of the Ramsden Park Dogs Off-Leash Area by Commercial Dog Walkers is creating multiple adverse effects for abutting residents, including noise, disturbance, and parking conflicts. These residents have been unsuccessfully requesting relief from these adverse effects for years. It is appropriate to temporarily close this Dogs Off-Leash Area to Commercial Dog Walkers until the criteria are developed.

Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to prohibit Commercial Dog Walkers in Ramsden Park Dog Off-Leash Area, by posting appropriate signage as required under Municipal Code Chapter 608, §608-34.1.C.