The municipality of Summerland is looking for a location for a year-round fenced off-leash dog park.
At present, three locations are being considered for the park. They are the Living Memorial Park, which would adapt the ball diamond 3; Powell Beach Park, which would adapt the ball diamond there and the Summerland Rodeo Grounds.
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The Summerland dog population is estimated to be around 2,000, based on the Canadian average of 41 per cent of households owning at least one dog. However, officials with the municipality say this could be a conservative estimate given the ongoing upward trend of dog ownership in Canada over the past 10 years.
Lori Mullin, director of community services for the municipality of Summerland, says there is evidence that pets provide benefits beyond simple companionship to their owners.
“Dogs specifically contribute to the wellbeing of owners and their families by increasing physical activity and increasing social contact and conversation between walkers and their families and neighbours,” she said.
An online Zoom public open house will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to present information about the proposed locations, answer questions and gain community input.
Those interested in attending are asked to register in advance at summerland.ca/dog-park-project.
A public survey will be on the website from Oct. 23 to Nov. 8.
For more information about this project, contact recreation@summerland.ca or phone 250-494-0447. Information documents on the proposed sites and impacts are posted on the website at summerland.ca/dog-park-project.
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