Jan. 15 benefit to aid off-leash dog park

Buckhorn, gift certificates, a dog training session and an exam and vaccinations from Jackson Creek Veterinary Services.

City council has asked city staff to come up with some options for locations for an off-leash dog park, but indicated any costs for setting upthepark,suchasfencing,would need to be paid by the association.

It’s going to cost between $10,000 and $15,000 to create the off-leash dog park on city-owned property, said Sheila Wood, of the association.

“There’s no money coming from the city,” she said. “We have to raise the money for the park.”

The association aims to raise $2,000 through the event that runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Jan. 15.

The Red Dog and 100.5 CKRUFM are sponsoring the event, with CKRU morning host Mike Melnik serving as emcee. Tickets cost $10 each at the door.

Charlotte Melby, Derek Mckendrick, Buzz Thompson, Greg Dowey, Lindsay Barr, the Weber Brothers and Jericho’s Wall will be among the local musicians performing during the event.

A full list of the silent auction items is on the dog owners association’s website .

Donations toward the dog park can be made through the parks and recreation division at City Hall, 500 George St. N. A charitable tax receipt is issued for donations to the city of at least $20.

The dog owners association will also be selling memberships to the association, which cost $10 for a year, at the event.

“It’s public so you don’t have to be a member to use this dog park,” Wood explained. “What the mem- bership fee helps with is the cost and maintenance once the dog park is up and running, like doggie bags, garbage removal.”

The dog association hopes to have the park running by June 1, Wood said.

“It’s long overdue,” she said. “It’s not unrealistic. It’s six months.”

The dog association is meeting withcitystaffjan.23to discusspossible locations and policies for the operating of the park before the item goes back to council.