Popular dog-walking spot closed today for 'race' filming

Cyclists, hikers and dog-walkers alike are being turned away from using a popular walking trail at Bellevue Park today as a result of the property being rented to a television production company, says city staff.

Gates were erected at the entrance to the area for the production, which a staff member of the city said is rented out to 'Endurance Entertainment 5' until 10 p.m. tonight.

"My dog is devastated," said one woman turned away by people involved in the production, who suggested she take her dog to Fort Creek.

A city supervisor in the Community Services department told SooToday a permit was issued to the production for today.

The supervisor said the filming was of a 'race' that is utilizing Topsail Island, and that the flag is the 'destination point'.

When asked why the city did not issue a notice informing the public of the closure of that area of the park, the supervisor said that was the responsibility of the production crew.

The event organizers wanted the ability to tell people the area was closed prior to entering, they said.

The working title of the production was named on a sign outside the area as 'The Endurance', but it was noted the name may be changed at any time.

The supervisor said Catherine Peterson of Endurance Entertainment 5 requested the permit.

On the Internet Movie Database (IMDB), a Catherine Peterson is named in various producer roles on such shows as The Real Housewives of Vancouver, The Bachelor Canada and the Amazing Race Canada.