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The following strategy framework has been adapted from the successful elements of off leash programs throughout North America.
It includes goals and objectives; and corresponding best management practices (BMPs) implemented by municipalities surveyed during the course of the development of this strategy.
The associated planning principles provide a foundation for the draft strategy.
Model Programs
For discussion purposes at upcoming HRM public consultations, recommended sections of model off leash programs from Chicago, Markham, Ottawa , St. Catharines, Toronto, have been included as appendices to the strategy framework. Each of these documents represents years of work and careful study by citizen groups, consultants, city staff, and elected officials.
Strategy Implementation Schedule
The implementation schedule outlines the actions required over the next 24 months to ensure that the strategy can be successfully implemented.
The Challenge for HRM Citizens
Public discussions about off leash areas in HRMs city parks should not be divisive. The material presented in the strategy presents a sound approach to ensuring that city parks will continue to provide healthy and safe recreational opportunities for all citizens.
Before offering opinions, citizens are encouraged to study the Strategy first, and then make recommendations for improvements. A lot of reading is required but the time spent will prepare citizens to become fully informed about the issues.
HRM Off Leash Parks Strategy Principles & Recommendations
- Accessibility
- Affordability
- Balance
- Cleanliness
- Environmental and Cultural Sustainability
- Natural Beauty
1. Accessibility
Areas suitable for dog-related activities should, as far as possible, be accessible to all. They should follow the principles of Universal Design , which means they are useful to and useable by everyone. However, it is possible that conflicting uses may mean that not all parks, or areas of a park, are accessible to all users at all times.
Goal
Utilize universal design principles to ensure that off leash areas are accessible to all park users.
Objectives
a) Establish equitable and transparent public consultation processes for the selection, design, approval, and operation of off leash areas.
b) Where appropriate, include off leash areas in new park designs.
c) Develop multiple use design criteria for off leash areas.
d) Anticipate conflicting uses.
e) Develop mitigation strategies.
Best Management Practices
a) Establish city-wide and/or local off leash advisory groups.
b) Develop clear terms of reference to provide representatives from all stakeholder groups.
c) Define and implement off leash area design criteria.
d) Establish clear off leash rules and regulations.
e) Establish one first year, pilot program.
f) Conduct pilot program review.
g) Report to Regional Council for final program and cost approval.
Recommended Models
1) Off leash advisory group: APPENDIX D / APPENDIX E
2) Off leash program: APPENDIX B, APPENDIX G, APPENDIX J
2. Affordability
Dog-related capital projects and services should be affordable to dog owners and other taxpayers. HRM supports the fundraising efforts of community based organizations throughout HRM for the development of playgrounds and sport fields. HRM should also cooperate with dog owners to raise funds for dog-related park uses.
Goal
HRM will cooperate with dog owners to establish, maintain, and fund cost-efficient off leash areas in city parks.
Objectives
a) Develop an application process and guidelines for dog owner group-sponsored off leash areas in city parks.
b) Establish capital cost contribution and maintenance costing procedures for off leash areas.
c) Develop formulas for assessing the monetary value of in-kind contributions rom dog owner groups.
d) Cooperate with dog owner groups to establish cost recovery strategies including park access licence fees.
Best Management Practices
a) Municipal application forms and approval processes should be brief and easy to complete.
b) Require Dog Owner Groups to form non-profit associations.
c) Dog Owner Groups should have liability insurance.
d) City/ Dog Owner Group memorandums of understanding (MOUs) will be required for each off leash park area.
e) Municipality will establish up front capital cost funding for off leash areas.
f) Dog owner groups will agree to full repayment of capital costs within specified time period.
Recommended Models
1) Off leash program: APPENDIX B / APPENDIX F
2) Application Form: APPENDIX C
3) Sample fencing costs: APPENDIX I
4) Program cost survey: APPENDIX H
3. Balance
Dog-related use of our parks must be sensitively balanced with other park uses in order to benefit all citizens. They must also be balanced with the need to maintain the ecological health and natural beauty of the parks, and to provide an enjoyable experience for all park users.
Goal
Adopt a balanced decision-making process for the designation of park off leash areas.
Objectives
a) Inventory current park uses, environmental assets, and aesthetic features.
b) Consult with park users and adjacent landowners.
c) Evaluate potential environmental , social, and aesthetic impacts.
d) Develop mitigation strategies for potential impacts.
e) Identify impacts that cannot be mitigated.
f) Develop dispute resolution mechanisms.
Best Management Practices
a) Park plans should contain inventories of environmental and aesthetic features.
b) Municipal staff should conduct an environmental impact analysis.
c) Notice of off leash applications should be posted by Dog Owner Groups at affected parks.
d) A majority of park neighbours within a specified distance of the park should approve the application.
Recommended Models
1) Off leash program: APPENDIX B / APPENDIX F / APPENDIX G
4. Cleanliness
Planning for dog-related uses should include effective means of controlling environmental contamination by dog waste.
Goal
Ensure off leash areas are clean and free of dog waste.
Objectives
a) Develop dog waste management plans for city parks.
b) Include measures for public education and by-law enforcement.
c) Establish performance measures for cleanliness.
d) Monitor for compliance.
e) Establish cooperative programs with dog owner groups for scheduled clean-ups.
f) Establish off leash area closure procedures for non-compliance.
Best Management Practices
a) Investigate methane conversion
systems.
b) Research biodegradable waste bags and distribution systems.
c) Provide dedicated receptacles for dog waste.
d) Schedule regular site surveillance and by-law enforcement.
e) Dog Owner Group MOUs should specify a minimum of 4 clean-ups per year.
f) Dog Owners groups and HRM will educate the public about dog waste hazards.
f) Require semi-annual deworming certificates for dog owners using parks.
g) MOUs should identify steps leading to closure and length of closure for non-compliance.
Recommended Models
1) Healthy Dog Off leash program: APPENDIX J
2) Off leash program: APPENDIX B / APPENDIX F
3) Dog waste study: APPENDIX K
5. Environmental and Cultural Sustainability
The maintenance of environmentally healthy parks is an important aspect of the HRM parks system. Dog-related use should be integrated into a park with consideration for its ecosystem, including the flora, fauna, soils and hydrology. The protection of cultural resources within a park must also be a consideration.
Goal
An ecosystem management approach will be adopted in city parks to ensure their sustainability.
Objectives
a) Develop integrated and adaptive park management approaches.
b) Establish environmental and cultural resource performance measures.
c) Develop park staff and volunteer-based monitoring systems.
Best Management Practices
a) With staff support, Off Leash Advisory Committee should monitor and evaluate dog-related impacts.
b) HRM should develop and implement adaptive management strategies to protect or restore environmental and cultural resources.
Recommended Models
1) Off leash program: APPENDIX B / APPENDIX F
6. Natural Beauty
Integrated planning, design, and management objectives for areas selected for dog-related uses should protect and enhance natural beauty and foster memorable visitor experiences.
Goal
The natural beauty of parks will be protected and maintained.
Objectives
a) Formally evaluate off leash areas on an annual basis.
b) Conduct visitor surveys.
c) Develop intervention strategies including permanent or temporary off leash area closures.
Best Management Practices
a) The Off Leash Advisory Committee should establish clear pass/fail guidelines for annual park inspections.
b) Dog Owner Group MOUs should specify a minimum of 4 visitor satisfaction surveys per year.
c) HRM should establish a coordinated approach to tracking off leash area complaints.
d) Community Councils, with recommendations from the Off Leash Advisory Committee, should make all decisions regarding park closures.
Recommended Models
1) Off leash program: APPENDIX B / APPENDIX F / APPENDIX G
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