The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has closed a portion of the One Spot Trail between Tsolum Spirit Park and Fitzgerald Road until March to protect agriculture interests in this area from off leash dogs.
The One Spot Trail is located primarily along the former railway grade of the Comox Logging and Railway Company. One Spot is a multi-use trail popular with horse riders, cyclists, runners and walkers. Dog leashing is required and strictly enforced due to close proximity of the trail to farm operations and livestock. Incidents with dogs off leash or on a farm property, whether they are chasing/harassing livestock or not, will result in fines. Letting dogs run off leash could result in a $100 fine. Allowing dogs to run at large, attack or pursue livestock is also punishable under the Livestock Act.
“We need to prioritize agriculture in this area as it is located on ALR lands and that public use of the trail, especially dogs off leash, is negatively impacting agricultural cattle calving,” explains Mark Harrison, CVRD Manager of Parks. “Efforts to control dogs off leash in this area has been unsuccessful and therefore a trail closure is required during this critical period. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this closure.”
This portion of the trail is expected to reopen in early march once calving season has finished. It is important to note that dogs are required to be on a leash on ALL sections of the One Spot Trail to protect agriculture and farm animals at all times. Documented incidents reflect the seriousness of off leash dogs on livestock.
For more information on the One Spot Trail visit: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/onespottrail
The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing sustainable services for residents and visitors to the area. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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Media Contact:
Mark Harrison, Manager of Parks
250-334-6067