The Scarborough Mirror

Dear Critter Chatter,
We have been up at the cottage and returned last week. We were trying to follow the dogs and parks strategy and leash-free areas for dogs, but can’t seem to find any updates. Can you please tell us if there are going to be any designated off-leash zones we can use this summer?

– Mirror Reader

Dear Reader,
Although the final draft of the policy hasn’t been posted, the answer is yes, but not immediately.  
City council did approve plans to create more off-leash parks for dogs. However, the new policy is calling on dog owners who would like an off-leash area designated in their neighbourhood to work collectively and form associations. Once an association has been formed, representatives must complete a permit application and accompany it with a written proposal.  
There are currently about 10 requests in queue for new off-leash zones, some of them in Scarborough, North York and Etobcioke. These existing applications could potentially be approved and implemented as early as the fall.  
If an application to create a leash-free dog zone is within 10 metres of a playground, splashpad or wading pool, sports field or horticultural exhibit, the area will need to be fenced, however, not all off-leash dog parks will be fenced. In larger parks, off-leash areas could be set aside and posted as such.  
The new policy may prohibit non-neutered males and female dogs in heat from all of the city’s off-leash parks.  
At present, there are 32 off-leash dog parks, but the majority of them are located in the old city of Toronto. According to Toronto animal services, there are about 250,000 dogs in our city.  
The plan will see the hiring 10 new bylaw enforcement officers (budget permitting), but will take a year or more to implement them into their duties.  
Fines for owners who commit off-leash violations will be increasing from $260 to $305 in about six months. For owners who have yet to purchase a city license, the fine is a whopping $240, better to be responsible and prudent and pay the $25 license fee either online at www.toronto.ca/animal_services or by calling 416-338-7387.
Visit www.toronto.ca/parks or www.toronto-unleashed.com for details.