An off-leash dog park is getting the go-ahead in Kapuskasing. Town Council recommended that the park be set up at the former Val Albert Ball Park on a one-year trial basis. A zoning by-law to change the use of the area needs to be passed at the next council meeting before approval is granted. Dog Park Committee member Tricia Papineau says this is welcomed good news, and believes the park could be ready to go by the end of June.
“And we think that it’s going to be a good opportunity for the whole town of Kapuskasing,” she said. “The need is there, it’s been expressed. Pets are part of people’s families. It will give them a place to socialize their dogs and socialize between themselves.”
Papineau says she understands the concerns raised by residents in the neighbourhood.
“There hasn’t been a lot of concern about dogs jumping but there has been some concern about noise,” she said. “No matter where we would put it up there would be some concerns. It’s a new and people sometimes are afraid of change.”
There will be areas set up for large and small dogs. Higher fencing has been donated to help with the concerns raised by residents in the area over dogs jumping over the current fencing. Committee members say they’ve received some interest from businesses to help with the park. Councillor Ken Munnoch admitted that it’s not an ideal location for the dog park, but it’s the best place to give it a try and see how it works out.
Councillor Bruce Newton, who also lives in the neighbourhood near the Ball Park, says he was against the park at first but after hearing the plans he thinks it’s a good fit for the community.
