Alderman wants parks to go to the dogs

Ald. Ric McIver wants Calgary to build more off-leash parks so dogs have more room to roam.

McIver, who represents Ward 12, is making his argument at a meeting of the city's community and protective services committee Wednesday morning.

McIver says the off-leash parks are overcrowded, and suggests that land acquired by the city when new communities are created be set aside for half a dozen more dog parks.

"I certainly do not want all of the green space to go to dog parks, but a few well-selected ones would probably be very appropriate," he said.

Terra Lesack and her Husky-cross Kona visit an off-leash park in the inner city twice a day and agree more dog parks would benefit Calgary's canine residents.

"In the mornings, it's kind of hit or miss, but in the evenings it is chock full of dogs for sure," Lesack said.

"I think definitely as they create more suburbs that there's need to definitely think about dog parks within those areas so that people aren't using green spaces that are being utilized for other things."

But a report to be presented to the committee says that with 141 dog parks, the city doesn't need any more.