Sunshine Hills residents whose property borders onto the BC Hydro easement (Huff Greenway) that runs from Westview Drive all the way northeast to Cougar Creek Canyon may be surprised to know that the entire green space has been designated as an off-leash dog area by Delta council since the summer of 2012.
I only found out on Monday as the result of an inquiry with Delta Parks and Recreation.
Although there are plans in the works to create an enclosed area somewhere in the easement (Huff Greenway), it appears the whole area will retain that designation unless there are an unusual number of problems reported.
As a previous dog owner, I understand that dogs need space for exercise and I know that this green space has been an “unofficial” off-leash area for a long time. I do have an issue with some dog owners who don’t seem to realize that when they are in an off-leash area, their dogs still have to be under control.
In the past two years, I have had three incidents of dogs coming into my backyard from this easement. On two of these occasions, dogs managed to find their way past a five-foot-thick hedge, a chain link fence, and a padlocked gate. I retrieved them for the owners as they couldn’t gain access to the yard themselves.
Last September, three dogs barrelled through my open gate as I was doing some construction work. One had to be fished out of my pool after ripping the cover. Instead of apologizing or thanking me, their owner chastised me for having the audacity to have my gate open.
I didn’t report these incidents at the time, feeling there was little point.
However, now that the area has been given an official sanction by Delta council, it is important that local residents and dog owners alike notify the Parks and Recreation Department when problems arise.
Dave Pearcey
North Delta
