By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
A Martensville resident appeared before city councillors at their January 13 meeting to request multiple improvements to the community’s off-leash dog park, including a ban on bicycles and motorized e-bikes, the installation of fencing around the park, a dedicated area for small dogs and more signage about what is and isn’t allowed in the park.
Pamela Warren, accompanied by her husband and dog Pork Chop, told council that she was appearing on behalf of a group within the community that “do not have a voice but bring much happiness to many residents.
“Because dogs cannot advocate for themselves, humans bear the responsibility to do so,” she said.
As noted on the City of Martensville’s website, the local off-leash dog park is located in south Martensville just off of Range Road 3053 and is accessible via the pedestrian bridge behind Glenview Cove.
This is the only area in the city where dogs are permitted to roam freely off-leash, though they must wear a visible licence tag and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. They must also take responsibility for ensuring pets aren’t a nuisance to others using the park.
Motorized vehicles like snowmobiles and quads are also not allowed in the park, though as Warren pointed out, she knows that snowmobiles have entered the area “because there are tracks in the snow.”
Warren’s presentation first addressed why bicycles should not be allowed in the park, noting that a dog’s chase mentality can be triggered by something that is moving at high rates of speed and in unpredictable patterns.
This in turn can lead to collisions between cyclists and dogs/other people or cause cyclists to accidentally fall off their bikes when chased by dogs, she said.
Worse still are e-bikes, as Warren pointed out that the noise and vibrations from these vehicles can also distress dogs and trigger aggressive and fearful reactions.
Noting that there are numerous other spaces in the city for cyclists, Warren suggested that allowing bikes in the park was “a violation of a dog’s freedom.
“Off-leash dog parks are created specifically for dogs to run freely, socialize at their own pace and explore without fear,” she said.
Alternatively, cyclists could be encouraged to walk their bikes through the dog park, Warren said, adding that clear signage and education would support this practice.
Unfortunately, there is no signage at the main entrance to the dog park, and what signage is located at the Hyde Park entrance is confusing and contradictory, with Warren noting there are two signs depicting a bike in an open circle and another in a crossed-out circle.
“So are they allowed or not allowed? Plus, there is no (mention of) bike etiquette on the signage,” she said.
Next addressing the topic of fencing, Warren cited a specific instance from this fall when another person’s dog ran across the nearby highway. Her husband happened to be there and he stopped vehicles from striking the animal, which was not found for several days.
Fencing could help keep dogs stay safely inside the park, allowing owners to relax and socialize more. It also prevents off-leash dogs from wandering into pedestrian areas and private properties, minimizing conflict.
Fencing would also potentially help prevent dogs from wandering into the lagoon on the south side or the ditch that floods with water during spring runoff, she said.
“I sadly have to say we have been taking our dog to the Warman dog park for a little over a month now … because it is closed in and there are no bicycles, toboggans, snowmobiles, motorcycles or quads allowed,” she said.
On the subject of a small fenced-in area for small dogs, Warren said that these dogs are more vulnerable to injury and intimidation in mixed parks.
They would feel safer and be more free to interact with other dogs in a size-specific area, which would also bring peace of mind to their owners.
Recognizing that these items all would have costs attached to them and not all residents have dogs, Warren suggested the burden should not be placed totally on taxpayers.
Instead, she said she would be willing to serve on a committee looking at advertising opportunities or grants that could pay for these items, and was aware of other dog-owners who would do the same.