Proposed changes for dogs at Owl Park in Ottawa's south end
The days of dogs running off-leash at a park in Ottawa's south end may be coming to an end. Owl Park has been a popular spot for off-leash dogs for years, but the city is considering changing the rules to require canines on a leash during certain periods.
It's not a popular move for those in the dog community and many are now pushing back saying it would change the entire experience for their furry loved ones and for those who frequent the park. The idea all originated from the fact that the park is only meters away from two elementary schools.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
For more than 24 years, Peter Kroeger has brought his dogs to the park in south Ottawa.
"Always with a dog, whether it was my previous dog before or recently with my current dog," said Kroeger.
Kroeger is part of a group of dog owners opposing a proposed bylaw change at Owl Park. Right now, dogs are allowed off leash and are not allowed within five meters of any water or playground feature at the park.
"For dogs, the opportunity to interact off leash, to be able to run around a little bit more, to be able to interact, that's a huge thing for dogs," said Andrea Ferguson Graham, a dog owner that opposes the change. "They get different exercise, they get different socialization and in fact, makes them be safer dogs because they can run around, get more energy out."
River Ward Coun. Riley Brockington is proposing changing the bylaw to require dogs on leashes from September to June during school hours.
"At those critical times of the day when we know there are lots of children, we're simply asking folks to leash their dogs. Dogs will never be banned from this park, and when times have less children, they can be off leash," said Brockington.
The park backs on to two elementary schools with no fencing.
Bylaw has posted signs throughout the park outlining the request to change the Dogs in Park designation, but the deadline for feedback is Aug. 12.
A sign at Owl Park in Ottawa's south end describes proposed changes to rules around when dogs can be allowed to run off leash. (Natalie van Rooy/CTV News Ottawa)
Dog owners are worried that things will change after years of their furry loved ones being able to roam free and socialize.
"Why is this being done? If you see behind us, there is an enormous amount of land on both sides. This is not a small park. We can be very far away from all the usual play areas," said Ferguson Graham.
"I think for me it just feels like there's been a lack of transparency and it hasn't been a good faith negotiation or consultation between the community members and the city in terms of where we go with the proposal," said Nathalie Desrosiers, another dog owner who opposes the change.
Meanwhile, Brockington says he's raised the issue of there being no distinct border for the park and school property to the school boards. For now, he says there's no plan for any fencing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney to join Liberal Party as special adviser
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney will be joining the Liberal Party as a special adviser. In an official press release on Monday, the party says Carney will serve as the chair of a leader's task force on economic growth.
James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, 'The Lion King' and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, 'doing what I can to stay cancer free' after finishing chemotherapy
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has said she has completed her chemotherapy and is 'doing what I can to stay cancer free,' as she plans to return gradually to public life in the months ahead.
Air Canada prepares to shut down as talks with pilots union near deadlock
Air Canada is finalizing plans to suspend most of its operations, likely beginning Sunday, as talks with the pilot union are nearing an impasse over 'inflexible' wage demands, the country's largest airline said on Monday.
'Peter Nygard is a sexual predator:' Former fashion mogul sentenced to 11 years in prison
Former Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. The sentence was handed to Nygard, 83, by Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein in Toronto on Monday. Last November, a jury found Nygard guilty of four counts of sexual assault following a six-week trial.
Romeo Dallaire now recovered from severe infection: CTV News Exclusive
Romeo Dallaire is ready to return to public life again this fall after a serious health scare forced the retired lieutenant-general to postpone his cross-country book tour in March.
Alberta protesters get 6 1/2-year sentences for roles in Coutts border blockade
One of two men sentenced Monday to 6 1/2 years for firearms violations and mischief at the border blockade at Coutts, Alta., says the time he has already spent behind bars has changed him and his "solemn weapon” is now love.
Woman who died in B.C. jail cell had asked to be taken to hospital twice, report shows
A woman who died from drug toxicity while in a B.C. jail cell asked to be taken to hospital twice in the hours after she was taken into custody in a case the province's police watchdog says again raises concerns over the treatment of intoxicated prisoners.
Why is this village in Quebec facing a 370 per cent property tax hike?
Residents in the small Quebec village of Danford Lake may soon be priced out of their homes, as property valuations and taxes are set to skyrocket.