The South Cariboo Joint Committee and 100 Mile House Council are considering establishing an off-leash dog park after receiving a petition from residents.
“We’re trying to look at the perfect place to put this,” said Mayor Mitch Campsall, who said even though there is no timeline, they are hoping to find a place by probably next month. “It has to work for everybody, not just a few.”
The petition identified three sites for the committee and council consider. Centennial Park, the Junior School Yard and the fielded areas of the South Cariboo Recreation Centre.
“I didn’t hear about the petition, which [is unfortunate] because the petition would’ve gotten more signatures if our group knew,” said Dayna Hornbrook who created and administrates the Facebook group, 100 Mile Dog Pals.
According to the agenda summary, only the last location is feasible.
Centennial Park isn’t accessible year-round and the report also says the district wouldn’t agree to maintain the park during the winter months. The school won’t be available either, as the report indicated the building in School District 27 will be used in the future.
The South Cariboo Recreation Centre’s fields are accessible year-round and the area has already been brushed and cleared for walking. However, it would require fencing and benches.
So far, cost has yet to be determined, in addition to a location. A staff report also has to be prepared to present to council, as well as community polling.
“We need a place and it just makes sense that we all work together and a have a place so people can take their dogs in a safe place,” said Campsall.
This would not be the first time Campsall and council have looked at the possibility of adding a congregation spot for man’s best friend.
On April 24, 2012, council received a request from the 100 Mile Dog Pals group for construction of a dog park in the Centennial Park area, behind the tennis courts.
“I’d say there’s a big need, there was a lot of support last time, so probably this time too,” said Hornbrook. “Also, there would probably be support not just from dog owners but from park goers.”
The group’s vision for the park was spearheaded by Shaleena Jones, who estimated the chain-link fencing enclosing the proposed 1,000-foot park to be $20,000. The post-and-wire cost was estimated to be $2,100 by Jones.
Council asked staff to look into the situation and found Centennial Park neighbours didn’t favour the extra parking and noise in the area after a story was published by the 100 Mile Free Press on May 2, 2012 on the proposal.
The 100 Mile Dog Pals Facebook group has over 250 members.