Kelowna waterfront dog park to become permanent

After a two-year trial, Kelowna city staff are recommending that the Lake Avenue beach access off-leash dog park become permanent.

During the trial, only two of 67 respondents to City questions opposed the dog park. A number of those in support wanted better fencing, signage and dog waste bags provided. If council agrees with the staff recommendation, at its Monday meeting, those will be added to the park.

The public was consulted in 2016 when many neighbours were strongly opposed to the idea while there was broad support from people living further away, states a staff report going to council.

The City decided to open the beach to off-leash dogs on a trial basis from August 2017 to September 2019.

Along with public feedback, the water was also tested during summer months.

“Based on the past three years of data, continuous dog use did not seem to have notable impacts on Lake Avenue beach access on E. coli counts,” the report states.

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