KELOWNA – There is considerable neighbourhood push-back to a City of Kelowna proposal to open up the beach immediately south of the floating bridge to off-leash dogs.
Many nearby residents fear allowing dogs will create noise, parking and other problems including owners who don’t pick up after their pets.
“We’re not anti-dog at all but it’s just the most ridiculous thing I could ever think to put a dog park here,” says Terry Gruneau. “On sunny days, there’s 100 people here, families, that sort of thing.”
City spokesperson, Robert Parlane, says the concerns will be taken into consideration.
“There’s no ideal solution, we only have a finite resource in terms of beach frontage,” says Parlane. “And we’ve got to consider boat users, swimmers, kayakers etc. As well as the neighbours of course.”
The residents suggest the beach on the other side of the bridge would be more appropriate for dogs as there are no nearby residences and more parking.
The staff report regarding four more proposed dog beaches in Kelowna will likely go before city council for a decision this summer.