HALIFAX – Dog owners have only one month left to enjoy Africville Park as the popular off-leash area will be off-limits to dogs as of Dec. 31.
Halifax city council is expected to approve the proposed Mainland Common replacement space during an upcoming Tuesday meeting.
City staff have recommended that council approve the new park location and phase-in its use. A 1.5-acre fenced space would open first, followed by a larger area sometime next year to bring the total area to three acres.
The current Africville off-leash area is approximately five acres.
“I just think if it gets smaller and more crowded, then it won’t be as much fun,” said Erin Jones, a dog owner at Africville Park on Monday.
The first phase of the project would be fairly inexpensive, with $7,000 being required for a new gate.
The second phase would require landscaping, fencing and new pathways. The estimated total for the entire phased-in project is $127,333 according to a staff report.
“I think the costs are quite reasonable considering the type of work that needs to be done,” said District 8 Coun. Jennifer Watts.
City staff list two alternatives to opening part of the Mainland Common site now, and another part later.
Council could vote to delay the closure of Africville Park until the entire Mainland Common site is retrofitted. Another option listed in the staff report is to close the Africville Park without offering a replacement space.
The issue is up for discussion at Tuesday’s council meeting, which is slated to begin at 1 p.m.
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