Improving a community does not always require a flashy multi-million-dollar project.

Dog parks are a good example.

Haldimand County owns and maintains parkland and green space throughout our communities. The County’s current inventory includes neighbourhood parks and larger recreation properties across Haldimand.

This is not a new idea for me. I included dog parks in my 2022 campaign platform as part of a broader plan to make better use of our existing green space. Four years later, I still believe it is a practical improvement worth pursuing.

Making Better Use of What We Already Own

The starting point should be simple: look at land the County already owns and maintains rather than purchasing new property.

In many cases, the County is already cutting the grass and performing routine maintenance. Establishing a dog park on a suitable portion of that land could require relatively basic infrastructure: fencing, signage and pet-waste receptacles.

The County’s own parks by-law already recognizes the possibility of designated leash-free zones. Dogs must otherwise remain leashed in County parks.

Dog Parks Serve More Than Dogs

A dog park provides a safe place for residents to exercise and socialize their dogs.

It also becomes another neighbourhood gathering place.

People meet their neighbours. Dogs get exercise. Residents living on smaller properties or without fenced yards have somewhere appropriate to take their pets. At the same time, providing a designated off-leash space can help separate that activity from playgrounds, sports fields, trails and other areas where dogs should remain leashed.

This is the type of small community amenity that can improve everyday life without requiring a major new building or a large ongoing operating program.

Start With the Right Locations

I would like to see staff identify suitable locations across Haldimand that could accommodate leash-free areas without compromising their current use.

There should also be an opportunity for residents to participate in the discussion about locations and operation.

Once suitable sites are identified, Council can look at what it would actually cost to establish them and determine how many locations can reasonably be introduced.

Sometimes a better community is built through smaller improvements that residents can actually see and use in their everyday lives.