Dog park locations proposed
Council finds fault with proposed sites
Sarah Ladik
Northern News Services
Thursday, August 11, 2016
INUVIK
Inuvik's town council was presented with a proposal for a new place for pups this week, but ultimately deferred the issue of a dog park to another committee.
"They're all areas that are already owned," said deputy mayor Steven Baryluk, adding that it would be good to have a place for dog owners to go, provided they cleaned after their four-legged pals.
Amy Badgley sent a letter to council putting forward the idea of a dog park as a safe place for pet-owners and their animals to socialize away from the hazards of trails. She also noted that some dogs can never be let off leash when not in fenced-in areas because they aren't trained to come back.
"There are many empty spaces all over town," she stated, listing off lots near Ingamo Hall, where the Blueberry Patch has recently been demolished, on Ruyant Crescent, and near Wolverine Road and Bompas Street. She also suggested the current soccer field on Ruyant Crescent, a suggestion Baryluk saw as the most feasible. He said it would take minimal work because it is already mostly fenced in, but that it would only be an option if a proper soccer field were created elsewhere, as is planned.
The subject also brought about a discussion of the general responsibility of dog owners to pick up after their animals, with both Baryluk and Mayor Jim McDonald lamenting the attitude of some residents.
"This has been an issue for some time," said McDonald. "Administration has put out bags at some places in town, but hopefully dog owners start taking responsibility."
In the end, senior administrative officer Grant Hood said, to his understanding, all the lots suggested are owned by entities other than the town.
"It would be difficult to find somewhere in the main area," Hood told council, noting that there are already plans for the old SAMS location.
He did say it could be discussed by the committee governing parks and recreation at a later date.
