Title
DISCUSSION WITH THE CITY OF BARRIE’S ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A SERVICE DOG OFF-LEASH RECREATION AREA
W. Loevenmark, Landscape Architectural Planner of the Planning and Asset Management Branch in the Engineering Department provided a presentation regarding a Service Dog Off-Leash Recreation Area (DOLRA) proposed for the Barrie Molson Centre (BMC) as a follow up to Council Motion 16-G-003.
Ms. Loevenmark discussed slides concerning the following topics:
• A review of Council Motion 16-G-003 directing that staff in the Engineering Department investigate the feasibility of implementing a Service Dog Off-Leash Recreation Area within the BMC DOLRA;
• An aerial photograph of the existing DOLRA at the BMC;
• An overview of the stakeholder consultation process and survey results;
• The identification of a key concern that the majority of service dog users surveyed would not support a Service Dog DOLRA at the current BMC DOLRA due to accessibility issues at the BMC DOLRA and accessibility challenges travelling to the BMC DOLRA;
• An overview of community needs and DOLRA requirements;
• The design review process including:
o Transit routes and stops map at the BMC;
o Access, parking and lighting at the BMC; and
o Option A: converting the existing small dog enclosure at the BMC to Service Dogs only; or
o Option B: install fencing to enclose the partially fenced area at the BMC for Service Dog only use; and
• A review of Service Dog DOLRA implementation costs and funding/sponsorship opportunities.
In closing, Ms. Loevenmark noted that the BMC DOLRA could be expanded to include a Service Dog Park subject to Council’s approval and funding. Ms. Loevenmark explained that consultation with Service Dog owners indicated that the BMC DOLRA location is not ideal.
Members of the Committee asked a number of questions to City staff and received responses.