A designated area for dog walkers and accessible locations were two suggestions made at a meeting in North York Thursday night dealing with off-leash dog parks. The meeting, held by the city's parks, forestry and recreation department at Memorial Hall, dealt with a draft policy that will govern the terms and operations of off-leash zones in city parks, green spaces and waterfront areas.
Four public meetings were held requesting input on location and criteria, application procedures for off-leash area permits, monitoring and dispute resolution.
According to the draft policy, areas that won't be considered include environmentally sensitive areas, playgrounds, sports fields, ice rinks and toboggan hills.
Part of the application procedures would call for dog owners to form groups and apply for free park permits in off-leash areas.
But dog walkers caring for four dogs or more might be subject to a $100-per-year license.
"It's not enough to say one off-leash area will be located four miles away and three will be dumped in one area," said resident Frances Strauss.
Strauss, who lives near Bathurst Street and Finch Avenue, said she's unable to let her dog roam free at Earl Bales Park and Ellerslie Park, two parks near her home.
Anne Robertson suggested fencing off-leash areas to keep them separate from other green spaces.
"Who is going to pay for the fencing?" Mary-Ann Tomingas asked.
Tomingas also said specific hours for off-leash areas should be posted and green bins provided to dispose of animal waste instead of throwing it in with mainstream garbage.
Erica Oielgisser, who said she feels "like a foreigner" when she takes her dog to an off-leash park outside her neighbourhood, said the permit fee should include separate areas for dog owners and walkers.
Strauss suggested off-leash areas have signage indicating the permitted number of dogs by one person and how many dogs are allowed in the park at one time.
"Something has to limit the person who wants to bring 10 dogs," she said.
Currently, there are 32 off-leash areas in city parks, including Burke Ravine in the Bayview and Eglinton avenues area.
Residents who were unable to attend the meetings can complete an online survey at www.toronto.ca/parks/dogs.htm.
The recommendations will go to the parks and environment committee July 4 and city council July 16.