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By Dawson Thompson

Pet Friendly

City council to explore location for upcoming dog park

Jun 26, 2021 | 12:00 PM

Prince Albert residents with pets will soon have a new place to take their furry friends.

City council is in discussion about where a new off-leash dog park will go.

The community services department provided a report to city council regarding the costs to build an Off-Leash Dog Park along the Rotary Trail at the four corners of the city as well as one across the river.

Each potential location would have a different cost because of factors such as size, construction needs, and whether fencing would be necessary.

“There are so many pets in the city [and] most cities have an area where you can go and let your dog off a leash and run, ” Mayor Greg Dionne told paNOW. “It gives them another form of exercising. It’s a good avenue to have.”

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Dionne added the park would benefit the canines and the owners.

“Lots of leashed parks that I go to, you’ll see the owner running with them. There’s just so many more things you can do in an off-leash park,” Dionne said.

The proposed rationale and approach from the community services department says off-leash dog recreation areas provide opportunities for neighbors to meet one another, help meet social needs for adults and children alike, and foster an increased sense of community.

Locations

A northwest option would be located on River Street West between 7th and 8th Avenue near the riverbank. This location would require fencing and would be 1.3 acres. The development potential would not be realized until 2023 due to the construction of the Raw Water Pump House.

A southwest option would be on Southwood Drive, nestled in the residential area. Consultation would be made with the immediate neighborhood to provide feedback on the acceptance of such a park. This location would require fencing and would be 2.14 acres.

The southeast option located on 17th Avenue and 15th Street is 68.83 Acres in size. This location would require consultation with the R.M. as the property resides just outside the city.

The Sewage Treatment Plant option in the northeast is 71.54 acres and is located just off Mattes Avenue and is accessible off 1st Street East.

The Old Sanitorium Option is not located on the Rotary Trail but is considered for those that wish to travel a little bit further. It is located just north of Highway 55 and is 26.2 acres.

Proposed locations for the off-leash dog park. (Council agenda package/City of P.A)

During the meeting, Coun. Ted Zurakowski talked about his experiences at dog parks, saying he would be in favor of one of the larger, non-fenced parks.

“I find that all the off-leash areas that we have visited, our favorites were the ones that are not fenced, that are a large enough area, and you don’t have to worry about confinement,” Zurakowski said.

In Prince Albert at public parks, all dogs must be on a leash.

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Dawson.thompson@pattisonmedia.com

On twitter: dawsonthompson8