Editor:
Re: Dogs allowed back on promenade beginning Oct. 1, Sept. 17
It was a surprise to me that our White Rock council did not take seriously the compromise staff offered regarding dogs on the promenade.
The compromise would have allowed dogs all year around on the West Beach from the boat launch to the Oxford street comfort station. That would have meant the pier, the Artists Walk, Memorial Park and all of East Beach would have been dog-free year-round for those who are not comfortable around dogs.
The fact is that dogs are not toilet trained and their feces are toxic. Their urine and feces, even if picked up, leave a residue which penetrates the soil in the grassy areas and between the bricks and can stay for up to a year. We are told this by the scientific community.
Not a very pleasant fact for visitors, families and those who like to lie on the grass and enjoy the beach area.
Why would our council members unanimously vote to make the trial permanent from Oct. 1 to March 31 every year? On our sunny west coast that six months includes many balmy days, which I would not classify as ‘winter’ months.
I can only conclude that they are more concerned with the wishes of their dog-owning friends, not just from White Rock but from far and wide.
It is us White Rock taxpayers who will have the final say on this matter at election time. It is also concerning, in my opinion, that council members who personally own dogs should be voting on this issue.
The fact that dog owners use the promenade as an access to the beach (a wildlife management area and Pacific Flyway) is appalling as nine times out of 10 they let their dogs off-leash, which is against provincial government laws, but they do not care as they seem to be able to get away with it.
So, I look back fondly to the time when the promenade was “dog-free.”
Dog owners have many options as to where to exercise their dogs – all of White Rock actually (except school grounds). There are several dog parks in this area also. Unfortunately, a very vocal and aggressive minority have got their way. So sad.
Patricia Kealy, White Rock
