Hi all,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to provide you with an update on the progress of our enclosed off-leash dog park petition for the River District area. Your support and dedication to this cause have been truly inspiring, and I would like to express my gratitude for your commitment.

I am pleased to inform you that a formal letter to Councillor Christine Boyle, addressing the need for an enclosed off-leash dog park in our community, is now ready to be sent. This letter emphasizes the overwhelming demand for this amenity and highlights the concerns regarding the suggested alternative, Everett Crawley, as well as the lack of adequate amenities for pets in the area.

However, we still require more signatures to further strengthen our case and demonstrate the widespread support for an enclosed off-leash dog park. Your continued efforts in collecting signatures and spreading the word among friends, family, and fellow community members would greatly contribute to the success of our petition.

I have attached a QR CODE that links to the petition and you can freely use it towards the cause. I will be printing promotional material to distribute during the walks with my dog.

If you have not yet signed the petition, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. Every signature counts and plays a crucial role in demonstrating the depth of our community's desire for an enclosed off-leash dog park. Additionally, please encourage others to sign and share the petition widely. Together, we can make a compelling case for the establishment of this much-needed facility.

Once we have gathered a significant number of additional signatures, we will include them in the letter to Councillor Boyle to further emphasize the urgency and sensitivity of this matter. Your support in collecting more signatures will help us achieve our goal of creating a safe and secure environment for our beloved pets.

I will keep you informed of any further developments regarding our petition and the progress made in advocating for an enclosed off-leash dog park in the River District area. Should you have any suggestions, ideas, or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Your input is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support and dedication to this important cause. By working together, we can make a lasting impact on the well-being and livability of our community.

Below you will find an example of the letter that will be addressed to city officials when we gather an even more significant number of signatures.

Warm regards,

Livio Maynard

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Subject: Request for an Enclosed Off-Leash Dog Park in the River District Area

Dear Councillor Boyle,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my concern and kindly request your attention to the urgent need for an enclosed off-leash dog park in the River District area. As a resident of this community, I have observed a growing demand for such a facility, and I believe it is essential to address the concerns and safety issues faced by dog owners and their beloved pets.

The River District area has experienced a significant increase in population over the past few years, resulting in a rise in the number of dog owners who call this neighbourhood home. It is evident that our community requires a designated space where dogs can exercise and socialize off-leash in a safe and secure environment. Unfortunately, the current suggestion of Everett Crawley Park as a safe off-leash dog park by the city officials is not a viable solution due to several factors.

Firstly, Everett Crawley is not an enclosed park, leaving smaller dogs vulnerable to potential encounters with the growing coyote population in the area. This poses a serious safety concern for dog owners who have smaller breeds that may be more susceptible to attacks. Additionally, the proximity of Kerr Street to the main entrance of the park raises significant issues, particularly concerning dogs with poor recall. The potential risk of accidents or conflicts arising from dogs straying onto the street is a pressing concern that should not be overlooked.

Furthermore, it is disheartening to note that the main developer in the River District area is continuously constructing more pet-friendly homes without providing adequate amenities for the growing number of pets in our community. As responsible pet owners, we are committed to ensuring the well-being and happiness of our furry companions, and having access to an enclosed off-leash dog park is a vital component of this commitment. Currently, the absence of a designated dog park presents a challenge to residents who cannot afford to reach the closest fenced-in dog park, located approximately 4 kilometres from the neighbourhood, daily.

In light of these concerns and the pressing need for an enclosed off-leash dog park, I am pleased to inform you that a petition has been initiated to demonstrate the overwhelming support and demand for this amenity within our neighbourhood. In just two days, the petition has gathered over 100 signatures, reflecting the sensitivity and urgency of this matter. The level of response from our fellow residents underscores the importance of addressing this issue promptly and effectively.

Given the circumstances outlined above, I kindly request your immediate attention and action on this matter. I urge you to prioritize the establishment of an enclosed off-leash dog park in the River District area. Our community deserves a space where dogs can exercise, socialize, and thrive without compromising their well-being or the peace of mind of their owners.

It is worth noting that the River District area possesses ample open spaces, providing a remarkable opportunity to establish a well-designed enclosed off-leash dog park that meets the needs of our community. By utilizing these available spaces and developing a dedicated area for our furry friends, we can further enhance the appeal and functionality of our neighbourhood.

I would be more than willing to contribute my time and effort, along with other concerned residents, to assist in any way possible. If there are any meetings, consultations, or actions we can participate in to support the realization of an enclosed off-leash dog park, please do not hesitate to inform us. Our collective dedication to enhancing the livability of the River District area is unwavering, and we believe that together, we can address this pressing need.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, Councillor Boyle. We look forward to your support and advocacy for the establishment of an enclosed off-leash dog park in the River District area. Your commitment to the well-being and quality of life of all residents, including our beloved pets, is greatly appreciated."