Winnipeg dog owners fight plans to revamp Kilcona Park

Some dog owners in Winnipeg are opposing proposed changes to Kilcona Park that could shrink the existing off-leash area.

The City of Winnipeg is looking at plans to revampits largest park, and some of the proposals include cutting down the off-leash dog park by up to half its current size.

"I don't see what the point of that is," says Phil Siemens, who was at the dog park on Tuesday with Cristiana Petkau and their two border collie crosses.

Siemens and Petkau say dog owners are the only ones who use Kilcona Park year-round.

"There's a lot of people that come hereprobably a few hundred people a day that come here with their dogs," Siemens said.

Added Petkau, "Lots of people on Sunday and Saturday come here. It's packed."

Donna Henry, president of the Kilcona Dog Park Club, says dragon boat racing,off-road biking even ziplining are being considered for the park.

"The changes, if they're implemented, will really transform the character of Kilcona Park," said Henry.

Henry said at least 3,000 dog owners visit the park each week, and shes among them.

She brings her Samoyed dogs, Tara and Hudson, to the park often.

"For lots of people, this is where they come and do their own exercise. We have lots of seniors that come here," said Henry.

Councillor supports mixed-use park

North Kildonan Coun. Jeff Browaty said while dog owners are the biggest users of the park, others should be accommodated as well.

"Areas that are not even designated as off-leash, people are using as off-leash. And as a result people are, in many cases, afraid of using the park," he said.

Johnathan Sproghe lives near the park and said hes not opposed to seeing the off-leash area reduced.

"Itd be great to have some biking trails or something else for people to do here," said Sproghe.

"Its a big piece of land. Im sure we could come to a sort of compromise."

City has comparatively low off-leash space

But Henry said dog owners in the city are already compromising. The citys dozen dog parks are being reduced to 10, which will amount to only 100 hectares of space.

"You look at Calgary with the same population of dogs; they have 150 dog parks. The area that they have is 1,600 hectares," said Henry.

She said the city has to consult with dog owners before decreasing off-leash space at parks.

"They need to have an open and transparent process. The same way Calgary did," said Henry.

City to consult residents, councillors

Mayor Sam Katz said the changes arent set in stone.

"Well let it go through the process. Well certainly get some feedback from the councilors and the public," said Katz.

"Nothing is being done at this stage of the game."

Henry is urging dog owners to contact city hall if theyre opposed to the changes.

A public open house on the park plans will be held next month.

In the mean time, the Kilcona Dog Park club has its general meeting next week.

A public open house on the park plans will be held next month.

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