Sicamous dog owners may soon have another option for their daily dog walk.
Resident Lorri Chmilar has asked that municipal council consider making a portion of Lions Park a dog park. In a letter to council, Chmilar says she brought a petition to the district in the past, seeking support to allow part of Lions Park to be used as a dog park. She says it was defeated due to possible maintenance costs. However, interest in a second dog park, that doesn’t require one to drive across the highway, remains strong.
“The dog owners I meet would like to have an area to meet and socialize (dog owners and owners), and not have to stand on the side of the road or paths,” wrote Chmilar, adding her vision is to have a fundraising campaign to fence a small area in the northwest corner of Lions Park, with two gates and a paved area for scooters and wheelchairs, as well as a couple of benches.
“This area need not be large at all, just provide shade for owners and dogs, and an area to be off leash.”
Mayor Terry Rysz said council is amenable to the request, and has asked staff to come back with a report. He said council’s only concern has to do with the size of dogs coming into the park.
“The location will assist seniors with pets and whatnot,” said Rysz. “We’ve left it in the hands of staff to look at the legalities behind that dog park, but the general consensus with the council is that they’re in favour of that…”