By Amy Geddes
Thanks to the new legislation, and responsible dog owners, two- and four-footed visitors alike can enjoy off-leash parks.
A Proposed Location
There are four major parks in the Danforth area: the Lower Donland Park, Withrow Park, Riverdale Park West, and Riverdale Park East. Both Riverdale Park West and Withrow Park already have off-leash sites, and now Riverdale Park East may get an off-leash site too, as it was added to a list of proposed off-leash sites in October 2008.
A steep hill leads down from Broadview Avenue into Riverdale Park East where, along with amenities such as a running track, tennis courts, and baseball diamond, the park stretches out as a huge, grassy field. Looking down from the sidewalk, the people in the park seem tiny. Since Riverdale Park East is so large, surely anyone would agree there is plenty of space for both dogs and humans to share. Yet many residents of the area object to the off-leash site proposal despite new legislation from the city to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors to a park with an off-leash site. When this legislation was implemented, many off-leash sites had to close because they were found to be unsuitable. Now dog-owners, walkers, trainers, and lovers, are desperate for new parks to obtain off-leash sites and Riverdale Park East is an excellent candidate.
Questions Answered
A recent survey conducted in Riverdale Park East indicated that public opinion leaned in favour of allowing an off-leash site to be created. Yet the new legislation has failed to placate everyone, for almost half of those surveyed were opposed to the off-leash site proposal. Some people were opposed due to a fear of dogs, or parents felt that “parks should be for children.” Dog-owners insisted that Riverdale Park East “had enough space for everyone to share,” yet there were people who approve of the proposal who were not dog owners, under the condition that the site is fenced in. While”good fences make good neighbors,” and would certainly allow two-legged and four-legged visitors to share the park, yet stay separate, there’s something more important to ensure everyone can be happy: responsible dog owners.
Loading ...A Leg up for the Pooch
Nigel Ryce, president of “A Leg Up Pet Services,” which provides dog-walking, boarding, training, and other services for pet owners, feels that off-leash parks are vital for dogs in the city. For the dogs, off-leash parks are good because “they need social contact, and they need exercise” beyond what they get when walking on-leash. The likelihood that an off-leash dog may harm other dogs or park visitors is slim, because “those with dogs who aren’t well-socialized rarely bring them into a crowded off-leash park.” Therefore, the responsibility to prove that these parks are safe and fun for everyone falls on the shoulders of dog owners everywhere. Dog owners also have the responsibility of training their dogs to be “safe” for the parks. Who’s Walking Who Dog Training Centre offers tips on how to train your dog.
Right now, having an off-leash site in Riverdale Park East is only an idea. Those in favour of the proposal will have to wait to see if the review of Riverdale Park East results in a new place for dogs to run off-leash and “do what dogs do.”
Interested? Keep Reading!
You can find more information about the legislation surrounding these parks in the following documents:
- Toronto Parks’ Off-Leash Area Park Conditions of Use
- Toronto Parks’ Off-Leash Policy
- Toronto Parks’ Roles and Responsibilities for Off-Leash Areas
Photo contributed by David Goehring
Your article is incorrect in stating parks were closed when the new policy was adopted. None have been closed – there have only been new off-leash parks carved out of our existing parks. And Parks staff continue to create and maintain off leash parks despite them not meeting the new criteria. This article is a(nother) biased screed in favor of off leash areas