There is need for an off-leash dog area in the Ward 7, Emery Village Community along Weston Road, from Albion, north to Steeles. Currently, the closest off-leash dog area in the Weston Road and Sheppard/Finch area is at Earl Bales Park, or G. Ross Lord Park — both in Ward 10.

An off-leash dog park would provide clear health, safety, and legal benefits to the City, Ward 7, and to park users.

Dog parks reduce the likelihood that dogs will be let loose in park areas where they could interfere with other park users such as children and families, cyclists, skateboarders, and rollerbladers.

Providing separate areas for dog exercise segregates dog owners from other users and reduces the risk of collisions, etc. Research has shown that dogs are less aggressive in open areas because they are on neutral territory and not constrained by their leashes.

Dedicated dog parks improve public health by keeping dog waste confined to one area. Peer pressure encourages dog owners to pick up after their dogs and keep the park clean. Dog parks provide a centralized area to provide information on dog health, veterinary services, training, etc. The operational proposal below addresses housekeeping issues in dog parks so public health will not be compromised.

The Emery Village DOA is committed to monitoring park usage along with park users to be sure that they are well maintained, safe, secure, and clean. Research has shown that users cooperate to keep their designated areas clean and well maintained.