Off leash dog park discussion continues in Taylor

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – During the district’s final committee of the whole meeting of the year, Taylor Council reviewed the results of a survey for the installation of a dog park.

During the December 16th committee of the whole meeting, the District of Taylor Council received a staff report detailing the results of a survey intended to gather public opinion regarding the construction of a dog park in 2025.

In preparation for the possible project, the dog park was included in the 2025 Capital Plan with a budget of $10,000.

The survey received 38 responses, with 32 respondents identifying they live in Taylor and five stating they live outside the limits of Taylor. Still, Taylor is the closest community, and one response originated from someone living in Fort St. John. 

When asked if they were dog owners, 35 stated they were, and only two stated they were not. 23 of the responses identified they were in support of the addition of an off-leash dog park in Taylor, and eight said they were not. Six of the respondents noted they were unsure, either due to the location or concerns regarding trusting the responsibility of other dog owners. 

Of the 38 responses, only 10 stated they would not use the amenity, and 24 noted they would use it anywhere from one to two times a month and daily. 

The survey also allowed residents to rank what features would be most important to them in such a facility. The most important features, on average, included double-gated entrances, well-maintained fencing, adequate areas for running, seating or shelters for human use, trees, hydrants, and other extras for dogs to interact with, and garbage receptacles. 

Before the release of the survey to the public, District staff had concluded that the most ideal location would be Ball Diamond 2 at the Taylor Ball Diamonds near Highway 97. In the survey, 23 respondents noted they approved of the location, and 10 disagreed with the location. 

Of those 10 disagreements, two stated the location has too many distractions, two stated the space should remain available for youth sports, one expressed the location would require too many modifications, and one said that the space was too far from housing. Four of the survey answers to this question were excluded, as they ‘did not address the question.’

A few suggestions were noted in the survey for alternative locations, including near Kirkpatrick Park, near the tennis courts of Lone Wolf Golf Club, at Peace Island Park, and in the ‘light industrial area’ off Cherry Avenue East. 

Respondents were also able to leave comments to staff, all of which were reviewed by council during the December meeting. 

“Taylor is surrounded by many easily accessible places to take pets for off-leash activities. Using available spaces within the district for a dog park is unnecessary,” one anonymous respondent stated. 

“It’s a great idea to add a dog park. Dogs are much happier and healthier when they are socialized,” said another respondent. 

Other comments expressed concern and suggestions. These ranged from queries surrounding careless owners and biting accidents to suggesting a small dog-only play area or trees and shade. 

While council did express they were disappointed more responses were not received, the councillors did agree the ball diamond appeared to be an ideal location, with several noting that a dog park is relatively easy to relocate if necessary.

The project will remain a line in the 2025 capital budget and will be addressed by council in the new year.