Owning a dog in Jasper is not easy.  I've spent countless hours cherishing the beauty and serenity of the outdoors of Jasper National Park with my dog. However, each visit to our local dog park fills me with concern rather than joy. The current off-leash area, unfortunately, is situated on what was once a dumping ground. With every heavy rainfall or snow melt, this area erodes further, exposing shards of glass and other hazardous debris, making it unsafe for our furry friends and their owners. The grass no longer grows here and the area is mainly rocks and dirt now. This is not an unknown issue to the residents or council members. The Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada have known about this issue for years, and yet, dog owners of Jasper continue to voice our concerns with no steps taken to address this concern. Instead, locals continue to maintain and pick up glass on a daily basis, and most don't even bother using the space anymore. Chairs are supplied by locals, there is a make-shift water spout seasonally. The fenced area is still covered in large shards of glass, visible to the naked eye. 

It's heart-wrenching to see our pets, who are part of our families, at risk every time they visit what should be a safe space for exercise and socialization. Pets have been injured. This isn't just about a park; it's about ensuring the health and safety of our community's beloved dogs and their owners. Many residents have expressed similar fears and have been deterred from using the park entirely, affecting both our pets' physical well-being and their social interactions with other dogs. Visitors also use this area frequently and have noted the underpar conditions of the area, compared to Banff and Hinton's off-leash areas. The town even has new signage directing users to the area. What a sad disappointment awaits those who follow it. 

A new solution is within our grasp. There are many solutions that have been brought forward to council and Parks Canada. One of the issues is also that there is not one entity that takes repsonsibility for this area, passing the accountability back and forth. There are multiple areas under consideration and discussion between residents - many would consider a second location within the townsite. We ask that the municipal government of Jasper to work with Parks Canada and Trans Mountain, in a timely manner to prioritize the transformation of this neglected area into a safe, dedicated off-leash dog park, with trees, water sources, grass and safe grounds. This initiative would not only prevent potential injuries to dogs and humans alike but would also enhance the community spirit by providing a gathering space that fosters connection between residents and visitors, year-round.

We propose:
1. Comprehensive assessment and clean-up of the current site to remove hazardous materials - not just a surface level clean - as much of the debris is underground
2. Relocation or establishment of a second and new off-leash dog park area in Jasper, equipped with robust safety measures such as proper fencing, waste disposal stations, benches, trees, a trail to walk, grass, water supply and adequate lighting for evening use. This area was also damaged by the Jasper Wildfire Complex of 2024 and we have lots majority of our trees. 
3. Regular maintenance checks to ensure that the quality and safety of the park are consistently upheld.

By signing this petition, you're supporting a future where our cherished pets can roam freely and safely, ensuring their joy and our peace of mind. Let's work together to make Jasper a better, safer place for everyone, including our dogs! Your support is crucial. Please sign and share this petition!