To all who enjoy the privilege of our beautiful treasure, the Okanagan Rail Tail, please let’s encourage all to be responsible users of this trail.
While walking on the trail over the weekend of Jan. 21, I was dismayed by garbage along the trail but really disgusted by the amount of dog feces soiling the trail.
So much so, that it was difficult to walk and enjoy the amazing scenery without the fear of stepping in one of the numerous piles of feces. The next day, I brought my shovel and cleaned up several hundred piles of dog excrement on the trail.
Another concerned citizen was doing the same — gathering up several large garbage bags of this mess.
Recently, my husband joined me in another clean-up. Along the way, we also cleared away numerous, filled dog bags where owners had at least cleaned up after their dogs but then deposited the bags along the trail for someone else to attend to.
On both weekends, we encountered many dogs with their owners. The majority of dogs were off leash and often not in sight of their owners. We also encountered dog owners walking with their dogs, enjoying the trail and being responsible with their dogs — having them on leash and cleaning up after them.
We have a world-class trail here for all to use. Irresponsible dog owners can change how this trail is seen and used. Aside from the obvious problems in trying to walk, ski, cycle, use a wheelchair, etc. on a dog-feces strewn trail, it is also a significant health hazard to those of us using the trail and to Kalamalka Lake, the source of our drinking water.
We would never allow or send our children out to use the trail as their toilet, nor should the trail be used as such for our pets.
The Regional District of the North Okanagan is aware of this problem on the Okanagan Rail Trail. They are receiving complaints. Unfortunately, and ultimately, being irresponsible with our pets may mean dogs will not be allowed on the trail for the sake of safety. Safety is needed when walkers and cyclists encounter dogs on the trail and health safety needed with properly disposed of dog feces.
As a long-term dog owner in the past and prospective dog owner, I would appreciate the opportunity to use this responsibly with my dog in the future as I am sure many current dog owners would also appreciate.
So, please dog owners, walk your dogs on a leash and clean up after your pets. People, save garbage for bins and not for the trail.
Let’s treat this trail as the treasure it is and keep it a safe and beautiful space to be enjoyed by all.
Lauren Lypchuk
Coldstream
