By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
RM of Corman Park councillors voted during their February 24 meeting to pass second and third readings on the new Animal Control Bylaw, which will now replace the municipality’s old Dogs at Large Bylaw and Keeping of Animals Bylaw.
Councillors had previously passed first reading on Bylaw 41-25 during their September 23, 2025 meeting.
Among other changes, the new bylaw provides new mechanisms that were absent from the existing bylaws that will make it easier for bylaw enforcement to deal with issues relating to animals.
For instance, the new bylaw allows for bylaw enforcement officers to place an animal at large within a shelter.
The reason why the Animal Control Bylaw was not passed sooner is because council had decided during a planning committee meeting on September 9, 2025, that administration should develop a public information, awareness and communications plan to ensure residents were aware of updated standards and enforcement procedures.
According to planner Shayden Brandt, who had prepared a report for council on the bylaw, that communication plan included updating the Corman Park website with the new bylaw, advertising in the Clark’s Crossing Gazette and hosting a public open house on Thursday, February 12 at the Corman Park municipal office.
Brandt indicated that three attendees visited the Feb. 12 open house to voice some minor concerns.
“These concerns included the process of managing complaints around dangerous animals and the owner’s right to request a waiver and/or appeal, and just general updates and changes to the bylaw and the inclusion of fees,” he said.
With that process now complete, it was administration’s recommendation that second and third readings of the bylaw be passed.