North Cowichan is looking to hear from Chemainus dog park and sports field users (and everyone else) about options to address user conflicts at an existing seasonal off-leash dog area.
The Chemainus area is home to five of North Cowichan’s eight designated off-leash dog areas, as well as having access to parts of the Municipal Forest Reserve, which is also an off-leash dog area.
The seasonal off-leash dog area at Chemainus Ball Park’s Field 3 has experienced issues related to user conflict for some time. The field is heavily used by sports groups and associations during the baseball season. The field becomes a designated off-leash area during the off season – currently September 1 to March 15. Growing interest in ball sports has extended the playing season well into the fall, at which time both off-leash dogs and ball players can be present on the field. This has led to conflicts with users reporting the presence of running dogs, feces and urine, and impacts on the usable space for dogs during games.
Three solutions to address the conflicts between user groups at Field 3 are under consideration that include two new location options and an adjustment to the current off-leash season at Field 3.
The three potential solutions are:
- Existing location, Field 3, with a change to the off-leash dog use season to accommodate the longer ball season (change the off-leash season to November 1 to March 1)
- A new off-leash dog area on Elm Street, a section of property adjacent to Field 3 that could include a long run area
- A new off-leash dog area on Elliott Street, adjacent to the skate park. This location is also being considered by Council for use as a community garden and "food forest" that is proposed by a community group. This location is also on a site being considered for affordable housing, though the timeline for that project is unknown at this time.
Background information, maps, and a survey are available at connectnorthcowichan.ca/Chemainus-dog-park. As well, staff will attend an upcoming Chemainus Wednesday Market.
Feedback heard through this engagement process will help inform a decision by Council on a solution. A modest budget has been set aside to implement the solution, which includes funding for fencing, if necessary.