A public participation meeting was held at Yarmouth town hall on May 11, facilitated by town planner Caroline Robertson.
She presented a design concept for a dog park, complete with walking paths, benches and picnic tables, separately fenced areas for both small and large dogs and a 25-metre vegetation buffer zone to neighbours.
There were a lot of supporters for the proposal, although several in the audience expressed concern.
Dick Stewart owns a two-hectare lot opposite the proposed dog park area.
“We want to develop that and the south-end land isn’t worth a lot compared to the north end,” he said.
“Anything that’s going to devalue it, I get concerned about it. Most of those dog owners up in the north end… put it up where it’s handy to them.”
He did add that the project looked good on paper.
“I’m not a particular connoisseur of dogs, I guess,” he said.
Letters were sent to residents on South East Street, Argyle Street and Jarvis about the proposed dog park and they were invited to a meeting on May 10. Eleven attended.
Of those that attended the May 10 meeting, Robertson said, “The general consensus was that they do not want a dog park in the Jarvis Street area. They feel it will affect the property values and that there will be noise."
But she added that 22 people in the area had responded to a survey on the topic and that 60 per cent were strongly in favour of the park.
“Many people have offered support and said that they want to be part of it,” said Robertson.
She suggests that the property become a community park that is community driven and low maintenance. She says she has received a number of calls from developers in the area and residents who are so supportive of the idea they already want to offer monetary or labour donations.
Fencing for the dog park has been donated by the town, which has collected it from other pieces of property where removal was warranted. Clean Foundation has offered 300 trees for the project.
“The actual cost of the park is minimal to none,” said Robertson.
Hours of operation for the park will be determined if and when the town approves the project.
A double fenced-in area is part of the plan to reduce the possibility of dogs escaping.
The town’s dog bylaw will apply to owners during their use of the park. This includes picking up after their pets.
Robertson plans on having the proposal, along with survey results and public meeting responses, on an upcoming committee of the whole agenda.
Comments from the crowd
“I think it’s a great idea. I do wish it would have been more central. What do you need for volunteers?"
“It’s important to socialize your dogs and the fact of the matter is there’s no place in town.”
“I’m a resident in Tusket and I would love the idea of bringing my dog in to socialize. I’d be happy to volunteer as well.”
A public participation meeting was held at Yarmouth town hall on May 11, facilitated by town planner Caroline Robertson.
She presented a design concept for a dog park, complete with walking paths, benches and picnic tables, separately fenced areas for both small and large dogs and a 25-metre vegetation buffer zone to neighbours.
There were a lot of supporters for the proposal, although several in the audience expressed concern.
Dick Stewart owns a two-hectare lot opposite the proposed dog park area.
“We want to develop that and the south-end land isn’t worth a lot compared to the north end,” he said.
“Anything that’s going to devalue it, I get concerned about it. Most of those dog owners up in the north end… put it up where it’s handy to them.”
He did add that the project looked good on paper.
“I’m not a particular connoisseur of dogs, I guess,” he said.
Letters were sent to residents on South East Street, Argyle Street and Jarvis about the proposed dog park and they were invited to a meeting on May 10. Eleven attended.
Of those that attended the May 10 meeting, Robertson said, “The general consensus was that they do not want a dog park in the Jarvis Street area. They feel it will affect the property values and that there will be noise."
But she added that 22 people in the area had responded to a survey on the topic and that 60 per cent were strongly in favour of the park.
“Many people have offered support and said that they want to be part of it,” said Robertson.
She suggests that the property become a community park that is community driven and low maintenance. She says she has received a number of calls from developers in the area and residents who are so supportive of the idea they already want to offer monetary or labour donations.
Fencing for the dog park has been donated by the town, which has collected it from other pieces of property where removal was warranted. Clean Foundation has offered 300 trees for the project.
“The actual cost of the park is minimal to none,” said Robertson.
Hours of operation for the park will be determined if and when the town approves the project.
A double fenced-in area is part of the plan to reduce the possibility of dogs escaping.
The town’s dog bylaw will apply to owners during their use of the park. This includes picking up after their pets.
Robertson plans on having the proposal, along with survey results and public meeting responses, on an upcoming committee of the whole agenda.
Comments from the crowd
“I think it’s a great idea. I do wish it would have been more central. What do you need for volunteers?"
“It’s important to socialize your dogs and the fact of the matter is there’s no place in town.”
“I’m a resident in Tusket and I would love the idea of bringing my dog in to socialize. I’d be happy to volunteer as well.”
