June 3, 1999

To:Economic Development and Parks Committee

From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject:Sherwood Park - Dogs Off-Leash, Ward 23 - Midtown

Purpose:

To acknowledge the resolution from the former North York Community Council, to ban dogs off-leash from the naturalized area of Sherwood Park, and to have the Department with Ward Councillors proceed with a community consultation process to consider an alternate fenced-in dogs off-leash location in the park.

Source of Funds:

Funding in the amount of $10,000 to $48,000 (depending of the type of fencing most appropriate) will be required to install a fenced-in area. Funds for this purpose are not currently available and would be requested as part of the 2000 budget submission.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

1.that the Sherwood Park site be the subject of an accelerated review and consultation process with the objective of relocating the current dogs off-leash area to a new fenced in location as shown on the attached man (Appendix A).

2.that until the process to review the new fenced in location is completed, the existing leash free area be maintained.

3.that appropriate Civic officials be authorized to take whatever action is necessary to give effect to the foregoing.

Background:

On April 6^th, 1999, the Sherwood Park Advisory Committee held a public meeting. In attendance were Councillors Johnston and Walker and Parks and Recreation staff. The meeting was attended by approximately 100 area residents. There was strong support for and against the North York Community Council resolution.

As a result, it is recommended that a further community consultation process be conducted to review a possible alternative fenced-in location for dogs to roam unleashed, in Sherwood Park.

Justification:

North York Community Council passed a resolution banning dogs off-leash in the naturalized area of Sherwood Park. This portion of the park currently falls under the jurisdiction of North York Community Council. The Guidelines for Dogs Off-Leash, also does not support dogs to be off-leash in a naturalized area. As a result, it is recommended that arrangements be made immediately to relocate the dogs-off-leash area in Sherwood Park.

An alternate fenced-in location is being proposed in Sherwood Park, to be reviewed through a community consultation process. This proposal is to support those members of the community who still desire a dogs off-leash area in Sherwood Park, and to be considerate of public safety and to limit environmental damage to the park as much as possible.

Conclusions:

That an accelerated community consultation proceed to confirm the proposed new fenced-in site location, and that the existing area be maintained in the short term.

Contact Names:

Mario ZanettiAnne Valliere

Director of Parks and RecreationManager of Parks and Recreation

South DistrictSouth District

392-1905392-1909

Joe Halstead

Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism