The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has some leashing mandatory parks within the electoral areas. Compliance with dog leashing requirements within these mandatory areas is not always being met causing issues with livestock, wildlife, sensitive ecosystems and public safety within these parks and trails.
“Concerns have been raised regarding unleashed dogs chasing livestock which has caused livestock fatalities, further some dogs are displaying harassing behaviour towards park patrons within leashing mandatory parks,” explains Mark Harrison, Manager of Parks. “We need to ensure that park patrons are respecting the agricultural properties alongside our trail systems, like the One Spot Trail, and are also following mandatory leashing requirements within our parks and trails systems. By following the leashing requirements and keeping your dogs under control, you are protecting sensitive ecosystems, protecting and supporting our agricultural community and ensuring a safe, welcoming experience for all residents.”
This spring and summer, the CVRD Bylaw team will be actively patrolling all CVRD parks and trails systems and fining those individuals who are not following dog leashing or dog-under-control requirements. CVRD Bylaw 679 outlines all the fines relating to Electoral Area Parks regulations. Fines include but not limited to:
- Allowing any animal to run at large in a park: $100
- Failing to keep a dog under control in a park: $100
- Failing to restrain a dog on a leash in a park: $100
“By respecting the rules in place, you will avoid fines and also ensure leashing optional areas remain open,” states Harrison.
To review leashing requirements and fines associated with being off leash in designated areas visit: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/dogsinparks
The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable 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