An off-leash dog pilot project in Squamish still remains in the proposed stage because of council agendas being too full.
“It is expected to get on an agenda in the coming weeks but finding space has been challenging because agendas have been too full with other priorities,” says Christina Moore, the district communications manager.
In May last year, District of Squamish launched a survey seeking opinion from locals on off-leash dog areas in town, and held an open house in September 2019.
Council would discuss the public input and provide direction on what they wish to see as next steps, Moore says.
When implemented, the pilot project will allow off-leash dogs in designated parks, trails and nature areas.
Below are the proposed off-leash areas.
Squamish River Dike behind the Dog Pound: This area will allow off-leash dogs seven days a week at any time of the day.
Stawamus River Dike in Valleycliffe: This will allow off-leash dogs from dawn to 9 am and from 4 pm to 9 pm.
Trail between the Squamish Valley Golf Course and the Mamquam River: This location will be subject to seasonal closures for bear feeding and salmon spawning seasons. This will be an off-leash area from dawn to 9 am and from 4 pm to 9 pm.
Judd Beach in Brackendale: This will be an off-leash area from dawn to 9 am and from 4 pm to 9 pm.
Merrill Park in Garibaldi Highlands: This will be an off-leash area from dawn to 9 am and from 4 pm to 9 pm.
The district will impose certain conditions.
Dogs will have to be licensed and will need to display a dog tag. They must have a 100 per cent recall. A maximum of three dogs will be allowed with one person, and there will be fines for not picking up dog poop.
Meanwhile, district recently released a podcast on the topic, where people can listen to district official Natasha Golbeck speak to local dog trainer Marn Brun and Mayor Karen Elliott, Councillor Doug Race and bylaw supervisor Chris Baker.