The issue of whether to open an off-leash dog park has come to Battleford town council.
At their meeting Sept. 6, council heard from Eldin Mann who made a pitch to the town to open an off-leash park, similar to the ones opened in Saskatoon, North Battleford and elsewhere. The recently opened off-leash park in North Battleford is situated not far from Cameron McIntosh Airport.
In correspondence to the town dated Aug. 17 and during his presentation, Mann expressed the need for what he calls an "off-leash park and exercise area" in Battleford.
Mann said he believes the ongoing costs for an off-leash park would be minimal with grass cutting once every month, and that the park would serve as a benefit to tourists.
He suggested a number of locations including the lot east of Central Avenue and 16th Street adjacent to Eiling Kramer campground, the lot east of 19th and Central, the northwest corner of Alex Dillabough Centre, the vacant lot between 32nd and 33rd Streets or anywhere north of 5th Avenue and 35th Street.
Also presented was a petition with 150 signatures, expressing support for the whole idea.
In listening to Mann's pitch Mayor Chris Odishaw suggested the Battlefords Flats might be a possible location.
"I love the river valley, and the river valley is quite huge," Odishaw told reporters following the meeting.
Mann, though, thought other locations such as near the Kramer campground might be more suitable as they were within walking distance for residents.
The idea of an off-leash park seemed to be well received from council and is likely to be the subject of further discussion in the near future. Mayor Odishaw pledged to have the parks and recreation department look into the whole idea and come up with some proposals.
After the meeting, he told reporters he welcomed the suggestion from Mann.
"It's a great move forward, I think," said Odishaw. "A lot of other towns are doing it."
He told reporters this was the first time the issue came to his desk as mayor, and pledged to look into the alternatives available.
