Search begins for new Sault dog parks

The search is on for two new dog parks in Sault Ste. Marie.

A working group consisting of Deane Greenwood, Tracey McClelland and Susan Milne has been set up and is expected to report back to the city's parks and recreation advisory committee (PRAC) during the third quarter of this year.

The Sault's sole existing off-leash dog facility – Strathclair Dog Park at 962 Second Line East – opened in 2015 after nine years of deliberations and delays.

During those deliberations, PRAC advised City Council that Topsail Island shouldn't be considered for an off-leash dog park.

The island in the St. Marys River off Bellevue Park is very popular with dog owners but is also widely used by families without dogs.

Legal liability and proximity to water were among the arguments against Topsail at the time.

Last week, PRAC decided to ignore its earlier decision and to include Topsail Island as a contender this time.

On Jan. 14. City Council voted to look into establishing two additional dog parks in the city, one in the east end and one in the west.

The council resolution, drafted by Ward 1 Coun. Sandra Hollingsworth and Ward 3's Donna Hilsinger, flagged Bellevue Park as the preferred east-end location but didn't specifically reference Topsail Island.

"I really believe we should include it," Ward 4 Coun. Rick Niro told a PRAC meeting last week.

"I'm not saying that I believe it should be a dog park or it shouldn't be a dog park. I'm just saying don't exclude it," Niro said.

It's expected that public input sessions will be held as part of the site selection process.

The drive to establish the Sault's first dog park was actually in full swing in 2008 but the project's original community partner organization "floundered," says Susan Milne, who was involved as a PRAC member at the time.

Only when the LOLDOGS group got involved in fund-raising did the project regain momentum.

"Most of the projects that go forward with PRAC are not just municipally led," Milne said.

"They're led with a community partner. Same with the skate park....These projects don't come quickly."

Milne expressed concern that this time, City Council is asking for two new dog parks.

"We don't currently have a user group unless the LOLDOGS is willing to partner on this as well. And think they're tapped out," Milne said.

In other news, an official opening for the city's first splash pad is being organized for early- to mid-June.

The new facility in Bellevue Park was completed and winterized last year.

Staff are being trained in operating procedures this spring.