Editor:
Re: Dog restrictions ‘take bite out of business,’ Dec. 1.
I think it’s about time the vast majority of White Rock’s promenade users, including sensible dog owners, non-dog owners, cyclists, skateboarders and smokers – who all abide by the current bylaw – respond to Mike Armstrong’s ridiculous proposal to allow dog access.
Furthermore, the somewhat sensational front page headline suggests the current dog restriction is costing the city business and gives Armstrong’s campaign a lot less credibility than he thinks.
First, it is clearly obvious the promenade’s physical confinement barely leaves enough room for two couples to comfortably pass by. To add a tangle of dog leashes to this mix is just not sensible.
Moreover, most promenade users would think twice about settling down on the grassy slopes for their traditional fish-and-chips treat, not knowing if that particular spot may have been a canine toilet.
If the promenade were to be opened to one special-interest group, cyclists, skateboarders, smokers, will soon be demanding their restrictions be lifted as well.
The ensuing chaos in this confined area would become so unpleasant that people would avoid the area entirely. Let’s see how that scenario would affect the businesses along Marine Drive.
R.U. Kistritz, White Rock
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I was happy to read Mike Armstrong’s comments. I am glad there are some people out there who feel as I do.
I was out with my family on Sunday at Crescent Beach and it was such a happy place full of families and dogs and people on bicycles. So much fun and so many smiles. What a shame our own promenade can’t be shared by all.
Who told council to set these rules?
I don’t think I have been to any other community that has so many “No” signs posted. The demographics of White Rock are changing. Young families are moving in, so let’s get rid of these stodgy rules and lighten up a bit.
Linda Carvajal, White Rock
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Mike Armstrong’s concerns are quite disingenuous.
He states that almost 40 per cent of homeowners are excluded from frequenting waterfront businesses.
Not true. They are all welcome – just not their dogs.
The pier and promenade are already crowded enough, without dogs and their leashes getting tangled in the mix.
And who wants to have their lovely walk on the White Rock pier spoiled by Rover barking, growling, stopping to sniff at something every couple of feet, to say nothing of peeing all over and doing their other nasty business. Nothing against dogs, but the beautiful pier and promenade are no place for them.
Sorry, Armstrong (and Scotty), those features were built for humans, not pets.
Don Campbell, Surrey
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I couldn’t agree more with Mike Armstrong’s comments regarding off-leash and dog-walking issues in White Rock.
I am a professional dog-care provider and a longtime resident. On many occasions I have been treated less than dirt when I have allowed one of my dogs to get shade under a tree by the boardwalk, just off the parking lot on Marine Drive. I have been yelled at, sworn at and even had the police come and ask me to move along, just for allowing the leashed dog I was with some shade from the heat. I am not making this up.
There has to be middle ground given to dog guardians in White Rock and for visitors who come to our City by the Sea. Many times I have warned visitors not to take their dogs on the boardwalk, and they say they won’t be back. They comment on how “unfriendly” our lovely town is.
Dogs are considered part of our families. What harm could it cause for being allowed to walk the boardwalk with them, especially in the fall/winter months when you could throw a bowling ball down there and hit nobody.
To combat the pick-up-the-poo issue, have bylaw officers keep watch. There are solutions to every issue.
I am tired of feeling like I am a second-class citizen. Dogs are cleaner than most people who visit the beach and leave behind dirty diapers, beer cans, wrappers, etc.
E. McLeod, White Rock
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I love dogs and have owned many in my lifetime, so I know how hard it is to find adequate walking grounds, but as a dog owner you have to accept that responsibility and do your homework before moving to a location or bringing your dog there for a visit.
I would be the first to support dogs on West Beach, but as an avid jogger. I can also tell you some dog owners ignore the signs while letting their dogs roam free, not picking up after them. So if they are not obeying the law now, what will they do if dogs are allowed?
Cheryl Berti, White Rock
