Banff council’s preferred location for an off-leash dog park is in the industrial compound on Hawk Avenue.
Town of Banff staff are asking council for $20,000 to develop a park next year as part of 2012 capital budget deliberations, but a decision on whether to move ahead with the dog park had not been made by the Outlook’s press time.
Council was expected to discuss the issue Wednesday (Nov. 30).
“There has been tremendous support from the community for an off-leash dog park,” said Councillor Grant Canning, who promised during the 2010 election campaign he would push for development of a park.
“I personally support the compound location, also because that site could be a little bit larger down the road if demand was there.”
The hope is to develop a one-acre off-leash dog park with fencing, garbage can and waste bag dispenser. It’s anticipated a volunteer group will fundraise to help offset the capital costs and will help with maintenance.
The project has been put forward by staff as one of several new initiatives in the 2012 capital budget, which would cost a total of $1.5 million if all are approved.
Annual operating expenses for an off-leash dog park are expected to be around $6,000. To offset capital and operating costs, there is an option for council to explore user fees to access the park or a levy on annual dog licences.
If council decides to pursue development of a park, the Town of Banff will have to submit an environmental assessment for Parks Canada, which will have the final say.
Parks Canada previously said no to a Fenlands Centre site because of environmental sensitivity, but did indicate to the Town of Banff they would consider Hawk Avenue and a site in the Whiskey Creek/Marmot Crescent area.
That said, Parks has a preference for the Whiskey Creek site due to potential wildlife disturbance concerns related to the Hawk Avenue site, which is located near a wildlife corridor.
Susan Webb, the Town’s recreation projects planner, said a recent survey completed by 438 people indicated 90 per cent support for an off-leash dog park.
Webb said there has also been considerable opposition from the Marmot Crescent neighbourhood as well as Whiskey Creek Development Ltd., particularly amid concerns for parking and congestion.
“We’re looking for council direction on what to do next,” said Webb.
Local dog owners have been voicing support for an off-leash dog park since 2003.
That said, there are many residents opposed, particularly given dogs are not allowed off leash in the national park.
“I don’t think this is a thing that should be allowed in a national park where wildlife need to roam around without any stress,” said one survey respondent. “It’s a threat to wildlife as much as it is to dogs.”
