A delegation of Summerland residents is asking to have the off-leash fenced dog park at Peach Orchard Park dismantled.
At the municipality’s council meeting on April 29, Lisa Slizek and Rachel Gauthier reiterated concerns about the off-leash area in the park.
They said the park is not suitable for a fenced dog area and chronic barking is now affecting the area. The dog park is also impacting those who live nearby.
“It is evident that Peach Orchard Park is not suitable for a fenced large dog park,” Gauthier said.
An online petition in opposition to the fenced dog area has received 1,844 signatures, they say.
“It is time to dismantle the fence and return Peach Orchard Park back to us.,” Gauthier said.
Coun. Adrienne Betts said the dog park has generated some strong feelings within the community.
“This has been a hard issue in Summerland. It’s quite divisive,” she said. “It’s been a challenging issue all along.”
Coun. Doug Patan raised questions about the online petition and whether such a petition is recognized by provincial legislation.
He said an online petition could be signed by people from around the world, including some with no connections to the community.
Kendra Kinsley, corporate officer for Summerland, said the petition has not yet been presented to her. She said the signatures would need the full name and address of those who signed, in order to verify them.
The dog park was set up in 2023 and is 0.4 hectares. The pop-up park has two double-gated entrances, picnic tables, a garbage container and a dog bag dispenser.
The park has had some strong reactions from those in favour and from those opposed.
While there has been some discussion about relocating the area, it remains at Peach Orchard Park.