City analyzing new sites for potential dog parks

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on October 8, 2022.

Herald file photo by Ry Clarke Jayden Richardson and dogs Hank and Ivy look for shade this summer at the RiverStone Dog Park.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

Six potential new sites for off-leash dog parks have been identified by the City Parks and Cemeteries Department.

In a report presented this week to the Civic Works Standing Policy Committee meeting of Lethbridge city council, Parks manager Blair Richter outlined the six potential sites.

Those sites were selected based on survey votes, internal scoring by administration of the parks and the number of dog licences in each neighbourhood. Each park was ranked on the results and a combination of rankings creating the overall ranking.

The list includes the top two locations from the north, south and west sides of Lethbridge.

The chosen locations are Nicholas Sheran Park and Coalbanks Park in West Lethbridge, Henderson Park and the 20 Ave. Green strip in south Lethbridge as well as Kodiak Park and 28 St. and 7 Ave. in the north.

In November of last year, council directed the city manager to provide options for more off-leash space in the city. Council on March 22 approved a plan submitted to the Civic Works SPC by administration.

A total of 33 locations were considered. Administration is recommending the top six be taken into Stage 3 and further engagement with residents done before a final recommendation is made to the SPC.

A survey on the Get Involved Lethbridge website showed 91 per cent of respondents own a dog and 86 per cent are in favour of more dog parks.

The Civic Works Standing Policy Committee voted to recommend that council direct administration to perform further investigation and targeted engagement on potential dog park locations and report back in first quarter of 2023.

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