Last week park-goers were notified that the frequented Lemieux Island would be closing in two weeks on September 13, 2021. The closure is slated to last until July 31, 2024. While there is a clear and indisputable pattern of the Ottawa Parks Department forcing closures on dog owners due to construction, the issue remains: it is becoming increasingly harder to find adequate land to properly exercise dogs in the area.

Lemieux Island is one of very few dog parks in the city of Ottawa that includes water access and, due to the recent closure of Laroche park, citizens in and around the Hintonburg area are left with very few options. This leads to a negative impact on the neighborhood— specifically our beloved pups. It is also worth mentioning that only two years ago, in the summer of 2019, Lemieux park banned off-leash dogs from the premises. This came decades after allowing dog owners to have their dogs swim and play with no worries.
 
According to a recent newsletter on the closure, "the spaces normally used by the public on the island are going to be used for staging the conversion of the Chief William Commanda Bridge for pedestrian/cycling use." While it is commendable that the city is attempting to build such a path for Ontarians and Quebecers alike, the irony is not lost that one of the greatest staples of the neighborhood will be lost, thereby making the area less appealing to all. Further, as inhabitants of the neighborhood, we question why dog-owners and citizens were not consulted, nor provided with possible alternatives (i.e. a smaller section relegated for dogs, path usage during the warmer months…).
 
Overall, there is a growing need for off-leash parks that allow dogs to socialize and exercise. Whether or not Lemieux Island is a specified dog run, the fact remains that people flock to the area for the greenery and beach access – specifically for their pets. The city of Ottawa has already begun cutting down decade-old trees and fencing off smaller areas for the scheduled construction. All we ask is to be able to share the land, and that a portion of the island remain open for pedestrian and dog use OR designate a piece of land in the vicinity as a new dog park!

To help make a difference, please contact Jeff Lieper at Jeff.Leiper@ottawa.ca (Councillor of Lemieux Island Ward).