City to assess Calgary dog parks, users

A city review will look at finding a balance between the needs of dogs and their owners, and others who use Calgary'soff-leash parks.

City council accepted the recommendation of Ald. Brian Pincott on Monday to examine the management, layout and location of Calgary's 141dog parks.

Those details have not been reviewed since the parks were created almost 20 years ago. Since then, the city's dog population has grown to an estimated 100,000.

Pincott said he wants to make sure there are enough areas for dogs in all communities, and to include them in planning for new neighbourhoods.

"People who come and use off-leash parks are forming community. They are about community," said Pincott. "It is about recreation. So many people come to off-leash parks and walking their critter is their form of recreation."

Pincott said he hopes the review will address increasing conflicts between dog owners and people who are using the off-leash areas for cycling and walking.

"The park is certainly very well used and I think that taking a longer term perspective about it and doing an assessment is probably in the best interests of everybody who uses the park," said Tom Lester, as he took his Airedale terrier for a walk in River Park.