District of Squamish staff is asking the council to delay a pilot project for dog off-leash areas to the winter of next year due to staff shortages.
“Due to staff leaves and vacancies, as well as COVID-19-related reprioritization, the Bylaw and Animal Control team is not in a position to take on a targeted enforcement project at this time,” according to a recent memo shared by staff.
According to the staff, to ensure the success of Offleash Areas Pilot Project, a report on the plan will now be brought before council in the winter of 2021, at a time when the staffing is not expected to be a challenge.
The staff says a visible and effective enforcement would be key for the program to be successful, something that is not possible this year due to constraints on staff.
In May last year, the district launched a survey seeking opinion from locals on dog off-leash areas being planned in town.
Judd Beach Trails in Brackendale, Merrill Park in Garibaldi Highlands, Squamish River dike behind Dog Pound, Stawamus River dike, Trails between the Squamish Valley Golf Club and the Mamquam River are the locations being considered for the pilot project.
The staff also held an open house for dog off-leash areas in September last year and collected online feedback, which shows there is support for off-leash areas.
The staff had hoped to bring the pilot project before the council in the spring of 2020.
Demand for dedicated off-leash locations in Squamish has increased with growth in population.
