Perth town council held its committee of the whole meeting on Tuesday, April 4 in front of a packed gallery. They were there for another discussion on an off-leash dog park. Last December, after receiving a delegation requesting such a facility in town, council directed staff to prepare a report detailing possible locations and costs.

The report, delivered Tuesday, assessed 10 different locations in town, listing pros and cons for each. The proponents of the park expressed their choice of the south end of Last Duel Park as the preferred location. But the staff report indicated this section was located within a flood plain and was regularly under water or often water-logged until as late as June in the year. They also indicated that there was no nearby parking and their reviews of other municipalities’ dog parks revealed that most patrons travel to such facilities by vehicle. Noise level was also a concern with this location.

The report instead recommended a one-acre plot of the Darou Farms in the town’s south end. The area would be located just south of the old farmhouse. Costs for fencing and other features at this site was projected at $60K. In addition, just over $3K of staff costs would be required annually for maintenance and upkeep. Staff also recommended no work should start until the community group making the request had raised at $30K.

After some discussion around the table, it was decided to defer any decision until an open house and public survey on the matter could be completed. Of note, only about 50 dog licenses were sold in Perth last year.

Article by Brain Turner