A split Penticton City Council has voted to continue having Riverside Park as a "leash-optional" dog area without fencing.
After more than a year of testing the area as a spot where locals can take their pups with no leash, municipal politicians on Tuesday (May 13) approved the permanent continuation of the park as "leash-optional."
Giving it that designation won't come with the installation of fencing at Riverside Park, per staff's recommendation and council's subsequent vote.
"We have a large population here in Penticton that is uncomfortable going near where dogs are allowed to run free," said Coun. Campbell Watt, who was joined by Coun. Jason Reyen in rejecting the recommendation. "They have a fear and phobia."
Staff presented three different fencing options ranging in price from $18,000 to $75,000, depending on length and material.
Mayor Julius Bloomfield, along with councillors Isaac Gilbert and Ryan Graham, instead voted in favour of moving ahead with the "leash-optional" designation without fencing.
"I think providing this space allows flexibility within the Riverside Drive area and for (people) on the north end of town to be able to use it," Gilbert said.
Watt, who said he's a dog owner himself, said he's concerned some people will no longer feel comfortable going to Riverside Park due to it being "leash-optional."
"If we can't find an area that separates the two, I believe it's unfair to the person that wants to walk by a park and enjoy their city," he added. "Our parks should be open to all, and not one user group."
The veteran councillor stressed he doesn't want fencing installed at the park and added he wanted the city to remove it as "leash-optional" to find a more "appropriate" location.
There are three other approved "leash-optional" dog parks in Penticton:
鈥� Skaha Lake Park 鈥� Main 鈥� 3661 Parkview St.
鈥� Skaha Lake Park 鈥� East 鈥� 3895 Lakeside Rd.
鈥� Water Treatment Plant entrance 鈥� 1900 Penticton Ave.
Scott Boyko, the city's public works manager, said he's heard of one incident over the last year where a dog was forced to be taken to animal control at one of the Penticton "leash-optional" locations.
"The reported one I heard of was at the Skaha Lake location," Boyko said. "I'm not aware of the details."
Following council's recent vote on Riverside, the city said it will "continue to monitor all 鈥榣eash-optional鈥� areas and make adjustments as required based on the needs of the community."
The park is located at 187 Riverside Dr.
"It's not that I think a dog is going to go wild on someone, it's that not all of our residents have that same comfort level," Watt said.
