We are calling on the Whistler Municipal Council to take three actions to improve safety and cleanliness in Bayshores Park (aka Millars Pond Park) and the surrounding community:

1️⃣ Install a fence around the children’s area in Bayshores Park.
2️⃣ Add more garbage bins in the Bayshores subdivision.
3️⃣ Increase resources for bylaw enforcement to address off-leash dog issues.

1. Kids Park Fencing

Recently, my young son was attacked by an off-leash dog while playing at Bayshores Park. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident—Whistler Bylaw confirms they regularly receive reports about off-leash dog issues.

Children’s parks should be safe spaces where kids can play without fear of dog attacks or exposure to unsanitary conditions. However, with no physical barriers, these spaces remain vulnerable to safety risks.

We urge Whistler Municipal Council to install a fence around Bayshores Park this spring.

Fencing will:
✅ Prevent dog attacks and intimidating encounters, ensuring children can play safely.
✅ Reduce health risks by keeping play areas free from dog waste.
✅ Establish clear boundaries, allowing both children and dog owners to share public spaces responsibly.
✅ Protect young children by preventing them from running into adjacent roads.

This approach has already proven effective. In North Vancouver, fencing parks resulted in a 40% decrease in reported animal-related incidents (source: North Vancouver City Council).

2. More Garbage Bins in Bayshores

Bayshores currently has only one public garbage bin, located next to the children's play area. As a result, dogs—both on and off-leash—frequently pass through the park as their owners dispose of waste.

On a recent Sunday morning walk, I encountered 18 dogs—14 of which were off-leash.

To help reduce unnecessary dog traffic through the playground, we ask the Council to install additional garbage bins along the Valley Trail in Bayshores. This simple change would encourage responsible waste disposal while limiting interactions between children and dogs.

3. More Resources for Bylaw Enforcement

The current approach—relying on education and limited enforcement—is not enough. Despite existing leash laws, off-leash dogs remain a widespread issue, creating risks for children and the broader community.

We urge Whistler Council to allocate more resources to Bylaw Services to improve leash law enforcement, add singage to support on leash dog behavior and ensure safer public spaces. 

Take Action: Support a Safer Bayshores Park.

We need your support to make Bayshores Park a safer place for children.

✅ Sign this petition to call on Whistler’s Council to:
✔ Build a fence around Bayshores Park.
✔ Add more garbage bins in Bayshores to reduce dog traffic through the playground.
✔ Increase resources for bylaw enforcement to better regulate off-leash dogs.

Let’s work together to create a safe and enjoyable environment for children, dog owners, and all members of our community.

Please sign and share your stories to support this important child safety measure!