Leash-free dog park under consideration in NOTL

Niagara-on-the-Lake may become the next municipality in the peninsula to create an enclosed space for dogs to roam without leashes.

Town council approved a motion by Coun. Betty Disero Monday that a leash-free dog park be included in the public consultation process for the municipality’s recreation master plan.

Disero said she has been receiving amany calls from residents who want a fenced-in area where their pets can socialize with other dogs without the fear that they will run away.

She said she has also heard from residents who are concerned about dogs running loose in recreational areas. Disero said a child was recently knocked off a bicycle by a dog on a pathway.

Virgil and the Old Town were suggested as potential locations for the park. Coun. Terry Flynn said residents in Glendale would like a temporary park in their neighbourhood while the public is being consulted about whether a park should be established.

The previous council received a request in 2011 for a leash-free park. It turned it down following a staff recommendation against it.