We the signed call upon the University of Victoria to restore the former UVIC Dog Park.

The popular and much loved UVIC dog park closed in March 2020 to the dismay of many.  The result of this decision has caused major tensions in the region, as dog-owners are left with few locations for their pets to run freely, something that is essential for animal health, just as it is for the health of human beings.

This wonderful green space has been much appreciated by pet-owners and non-pet-owners alike, and its loss would be an irrevocable one for all who live nearby, or even far away and appreciated its presence.

Reopening the former UVIC dog park would do much to improve the University's relations with its neighbours.

Furthermore, it would be fulfilling a social contract to not only them, given how they are affected by the university's policies and activities, but it would also be fulfilling a valuable service to students and staff at the university, many of whom have pets and with busy schedules, few opportunities nearby for their pets to get adequate exercise, so that they and their owners can remain healthy and happy. 

This is also an opportunity for UVIC to demonstrate by example, sustainability by protecting this invaluable greenspace.

If the issue is one of finance, we encourage the municipalities of Saanich and Oak Bay to offer to share in the costs of helping to reopen and maintain the former UVIC dog park, as the benefits to our citizenry and our pets has been inestimable and should continue in this role in the future.

Restoring the former UVIC dog park offers everyone the opportunity to work together to achieve something for the common good of the region.

Please UVIC, consider your neighbours, your students, your staff and the environment you steward by protecting and restoring the former UVIC dog park.

Sincerely,
Those Signed 

Resources:

https://www.cheknews.ca/uvic-dog-park-closes-land-684298/​

https://cadboro.ca/2021/05/08/the-sad-loss-of-the-uvic-dog-field/

https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/news/loss-of-uvic-dog-park-deals-a-blow-to-socially-anxious-pets/

https://martlet.ca/members-of-cadboro-bay-community-continue-their-plea-for-off-leash-dog-park/

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