Richmond Hill councillors have approved a new off-leash dog park and have commissioned a study into the existing pilot project park, putting an end to the ongoing battle between concerned residents and dog owners.
Tower Hill Park, located near Yonge Street and Tower Hill Road, began as a pilot off-leash dog park but soon had neighbouring residents raise safety and noise concerns. Plans to decommission the park were put to rest last month after Richmond Hill Council approved a 12-month study to address their concerns.
Alongside the Richmond Hill K9 Klub, which operates the park in conjunction with the town, concerned residents and town staff will meet to determine strategies to mitigate noise and improve safety.
“It’s been a victim of it’s own success,” said David Walker, co-chair of the K9 Klub. “But we’re willing to meet to see if we can mitigate the concerns of the neighbours.”
In an effort to curb usage of the Tower Hill Park, council also gave the go-ahead for a second location in Phyllis Rawlinson Park. As for the funds originally budgeted to decommission Tower Hill, that will now be used to create noise buffers, such as trees, between the park and surrounding neighbourhoods.
After the designated 12-month period, staff will determine whether or not the park will remain open to off-leash dogs.
