Council’s best friend: Dogs let back into Blenheim town centre
Lorraine Carryer thinks having dogs in Blenheim’s town centre is an ‘‘excellent idea’’. She’s a bit ahead of herself though.
Carryer didn’t realise dogs weren’t allowed in the central business district. They haven’t been for close to a decade.
But, after a month-long trial back in 2019, the Marlborough District Council has decided to open up the CBD to dogs again.
Carryer said she didn’t realise the trial was a trial. She thought dogs had been allowed in the town for the last couple of years – so was happy to hear the region’s dog bylaw was about to change.
The council’s environment committee approved the change on Thursday. It needs to be signed off by full council on June 24.
‘‘I live out of town, so when I come into town I have a bunch of things to do, so when it’s hot I can’t leave him [her dog]. So I value being able to actually take him out with me if necessary,’’ Carryer said.
‘‘I think people like dogs, but often don’t have one or can’t have one for various reasons, so it’s nice to be able to interact with other people’s [dogs].’’
Under the new bylaw, from August 1, dogs on leads would also be allowed in some areas of Blenheim’s Pollard Park and on the walking tracks of Picton’s Victoria Domain. Dogs would no longer be allowed on some areas of Ward Beach. Signage would be updated to notify people.
A proposal to leash dogs at the Taylor River Reserve was reversed after public backlash and opposition from the mayor.
Councillor Jamie Arbuckle said at the environment meeting on Thursday that opening the CBD to dogs was about being a ‘‘responsible dog owner’’.
‘‘The one thing I do want to say, if you are a dog owner, and you’re in doubt, don’t take them into the CBD,’’ he said.
Arbuckle reminded dog owners though that the Taylor River was ‘‘not a dog park’’. ‘‘It is a shared area, of walkers and cyclists, and dog walkers are just another part of that shared use.’’
Deputy mayor Nadine Taylor said a ‘‘huge amount’’ of work had gone into the bylaw.
‘‘The quality of the submissions was outstanding. People were very informed, they came to us with data, and well formulated decisions.’’
Chantilly Cafe owner Max Rainey put water out for dogs during the 2019 trial, which coincided with the National Dog Show in Blenheim that month.
‘‘I think it’s fine to have them in. I’ll put water out again, it’s not like it costs me anything,’’ Rainey said.
Jess Neal, who worked at Roselands Pets and Plants, thought it was a good idea to allow dogs in Blenheim’s CBD.
‘‘I quite like seeing the dogs. I’m sure some people are a bit wary of some of the bigger ones, but it’s nice to see them out and about,’’ Neal said.
Chai-yo Asian Eatery manager Nune Sasithon said she wanted to see dogs back in the CBD. ‘‘I’m really happy to see dogs enjoying themselves and the sunshine with their owners,’’ she said.