City council has voted against building a fence on Dallas Rd to separate off-leash dogs from joggers.
On Thursday, council voted 5-3 to scrap a one-year pilot project for the Victoria pathway.
The proposal had drawn strong reaction from residents who called the plan a waste of tax dollars.
After hearing reports of people avoiding the Dallas Road walkway because of dogs running wild, council asked city staff to come up with a solution to reduce conflict.
Staff recommended building a fence along Dallas Road between Beacon Hill Park and Clover Point to entice dog owners to walk on the grass, without fear of cars.
But in a split 5-4 vote, council took the fence idea and moved it right next to the path, separating the off-leash area from the rest of the path’s users.
“The original idea I really liked,” said Tamara Pierson of pet supply store Paws On Cook. “I just think the money could be better spent. If they're worried about policing the dogs, then take the $60,000 and maybe hire a bylaw officer.”
The move had prompted a wave of frustration from dog owners who use the path and not just one, but two online petitions called on council to reverse the decision.
The petitions has more than 1,110 signatures combined and many have voiced their frustration on Facebook and Reddit threads.
“It’s upsetting, it’s frustrating, and we hope that they reconsider,” Pierson said.
But feedback like that is what the city's mayor said she's taking into account.
Lisa Helps was one of the five who voted last week to install the fence along the path, contrary to the staff recommendation to put it along the road.
“The public input has made a huge difference, and hopefully for enough other councillors as well,” Helps said.
On Thursday, Helps recommended council give it some thought and come up with a new idea.
