Editor:
Most provincial parks mandate that all dogs be controlled on a leash at all times. Sargeant Bay Provincial Park also restricts all canine access to the waterfront to reduce impact on any waterbirds that might utilize the foreshore, especially during migration periods. In addition, many users of the park are uncomfortable with approaches by dogs, aggressive or otherwise, to themselves as well as to dogs they may have on leash. And finally, there is the perennial issue of dog owners refusing to clean up after their dogs. This is totally unacceptable and reflects poorly on dog walkers that do follow the rules.
There is no excuse for this deliberate flaunting of well-posted rules for dog owners. The Sargeant Bay Society acknowledges those dog owners who respect the rules – thank you. We feel that those who do not follow the leash directive are jeopardizing the safety of restrained dogs, of their owners, and of all park users by these selfish actions.
It should be noted that there are six off-leash parks in the District of Sechelt and one in the SCRD.
The Society urges all dog owners to follow the posted rules. The consequence of not doing so may well be the total banning of dogs from the park. This may be the only option that remains for park management.
Rand Rudland, President,
Sargeant Bay Society
