For the first time, the City of Kelowna is getting feedback on allowing leashed dogs in parks where the four-legged animals are currently not allowed.
WATCH BELOW: More off-leash dog parks proposed for Kelowna
In some spaces such as City Park, leashed dogs are allowed on the walkway, but in some local parks, the pets are banned altogether and the city is trying to gauge whether the public wants to change that.
“In the past, allowing dogs on leash has never really been a controversial thing but we thought let’s try something new this year and at least give people an invitation for public feedback,” Ian Wilson, the City of Kelowna’s parks services manager, said.
The city has put up signs, asking people to submit their feedback on whether they’d like to see a bylaw change allowing dogs on leash in about half a dozen Kelowna parks.
The dog access would include the grass areas and the walkways but not the beach.
There’s been a dogged fight between pet owners who want more beach access and those who live in neighbourhoods that may be impacted.
WATCH BELOW: Proposed Kelowna dog beach faces resident opposition
The city saw considerable push back to a proposal that started in February to open up five dog parks and beaches after an outcry from Kelowna dog owners wanting more places for their pooches to take a dip.
An online survey was done and the results are in, but Wilson said the results and a corresponding report likely won’t go before council until September or sometime in the fall.
READ MORE: Kelowna residents weigh in on controversial off-leash beaches proposal
For the current round of feedback about leashed dogs in parks, the public has until Aug. 12 to submit their thoughts.
Depending on what the results show, there could be a bylaw change coming by this fall.
Click here to find out how to submit your feedback.