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Review of off-leash dogs on Saanich beaches postponed until mid-July

Cadboro Bay Residents’ Association to conduct public consultation
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Dog walkers bring the furry friends to Cadboro Bay beach to exercise and socialize both on and off-leash. (Devon Bidal/News Staff)

Saanich won’t consider a review of bylaws allowing off-leash dogs on beaches until the summer.

In January, Coun. Karen Harper submitted a report calling for a staff review of the District’s bylaws for dogs on beaches after residents reached out with concerns on the environmental effects of off-leash dogs. Cadboro Bay, for example, is part of the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary which has banned off-leash dogs since 1923, but the federal rule is overridden by municipal bylaws, Harper explained in the report.

READ ALSO: Councillor calls for review of off-leash dogs on Saanich beaches

Council was meant to vote on Harper’s motion during the Feb. 24 meeting but after several hours of public input, councillors agreed to call a recess and vote on the remaining agenda items at the March 2 meeting.

However, during that committee of the whole meeting, Harper motioned to postpone the vote on her report to mid-July. This, she explained, would allow the Cadboro Bay Residents’ Association (CBRA) “time to conduct the community consultation process it has requested to undertake on the issues raised.”

READ ALSO: Saanich dog walkers react to potential review of bylaws allowing off-leash dogs on beaches

On Feb. 28, CBRA chair Eric Dahli emailed council asking that “in the interest of harmony,” the decision regarding off-leash dogs on beaches be postponed while the association conducts community consultation.

Harper explained to council that the necessary dialogue has begun and that continued discussion with community stakeholders will be useful in the decision-making process.

READ ALSO: Public input regarding off-leash dogs on Saanich beaches dominates council meeting

During the meeting, Mayor Fred Haynes said the CBRA was involved in the 1990s when the bylaw was first introduced, so he feels “having faith in them and listening to them is the correct way forward.”

Council unanimously agreed to postpone the decision about off-leash dogs on beaches and support the CBRA in their public consultation process.


@devonscarlett
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devon.bidal@saanichnews.com





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