PROPOSED RESTRICTIONS ON DOGS AT THETIS LAKE PARK

Last spring when hundreds of people complained about the CRD's proposal to ban off-leash dogs from Thetis Lake and two adjacent parks, a dog owner representative was invited to join the advisory group in revising the plan. Since then the dog representative, a member of Citizen Canine, has been attending monthly meetings and negotiating for continuing off-leash access in some areas of the parks….with limited success. It's time for everyone to start thinking about this issue again. It has not been resolved. Off-leash access for dogs is still at risk in these parks.

The dog representative made constructive proposals to balance continuing off-leash access with environmental concerns in the parks. Through his efforts, the plan now includes the installation of additional garbage cans, the opening of Thetis Lake's West Beach to off-leash dogs, and the development of a few other "splash zones" for dogs at Thetis Lake. Also, the Lakeshore Trail and the main beach at Thetis Lake will be off-leash in the winter months-but the advisory group remained adamant that dogs should be on leash in most areas of the three parks.

The advisory group has now brought forward its revised plan. It includes the includes the following restrictions on dogs:

• Dogs must be leashed on the Thetis Lakeshore Trails and on the Craigflower Creek and McKenzie Creek trails from May 1 to September 30.
• Dogs are banned from the Main Beach at Thetis Lake from May 1 to September 30.
• Dogs are not allowed off the trails at any time in any of the parks.
• Dogs must be leashed on all trails in Mill Hill Park
• Dogs must be leashed on all trails except one in Francis King Park
• Dogs are banned completely from all trails in the Seymour Hill area of Thetis Lake

Because of the continuing restrictions, the dog represenative chose not to sign the advisory group's agreement. He outlined his reasons in a four-page letter to the CRD Parks. His main concern is that the group chose to use punitive and restrictive measures to address the problems in the parks, rather than to educate and work with responsible dog owners who want to do the right thing. Although the CRD calls it an agreement, this plan is going forward without the endorsement of the one dog owner representative.

What Can You Do?

The CRD Parks staff will be presenting the "agreement" to the CRD Parks Board Committee at the next scheduled Parks Committee Meeting in early June. It's crucial that the elected members of the CRD Parks Committee hear from you before the meeting. Take the time to let these policy makers know how this will affect you. If you value your dog's freedom and the rights of responsible dog owners, please write to your elected CRD officials today and remind them that dog owners have a vote and want a better park management plan that what is being proposed.

If you're concerned about the proposed changes at Thetis Lake and the other two parks, please let the CRD Parks Committee know. Take a moment to call or write these politicians and tell them how the new rules will affect you.

Address your letters to:
CRD Parks Committee
c/o CRD Administration
524 Yates Street
Victoria, BC V8W 2S6

Committee Members
Karen Watson, Chair 474-3167
Lief Wergeland, Vice-chair 475-1775
Marie Brotherston 474-1773
Chris Coleman (for Alan Lowe) 385-5711
Ted Daley 656-0781
Marcus Farmer (for Janet Evans) 642-1634
Gary Holman 653-2075
Peter Wainwright (for Don Amos) 656-1139

The Parks Committee Meetings are open to the public. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 2, at 1:30 at 524 Yates Street. Plan to attend this meeting to show your concern about the proposal. If these restrictions go forward, it will undoubtedly affect the entire CRD Parks system and its attitude towards dogs and their owners in the future.

You can also print and distribute leaflets to other dog owners!

Leaflet Small

Leaflet Full

CRD Board of Directors

CRD-Thetis Management Documents & Materials