Local dog lovers were in attendance at the Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night, to see a presentation on a proposed off-leash dog park. Candice O’Connell of Responsible Dog Owners of Canada has helped to develop similar parks in other communities. She will work with Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation VP Carl Doucette to form a self-governing organization for the park. The group is asking for the municipality to approve development of a fenced dog park on two acres of forest centre land. They are also asking the town to keep the forest centre roadways cleared in winter so residents can enjoy the park year-round. When councillors inquired about liability insurance, Ms. O’Connell confirmed that under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act, the onus is on the owner in the case of any dog-biting incidents. Neither the Municipality nor the Ferguson Forest Centre will be footing the bill for the park fencing or maintenance. The dog owners group will have to find a sponsor, and do some fundraising. O’Connell will help them to establish their rules and regulations. Municipal staff will now do some investigating to ensure the town would not be held liable in case of any dog-bite incidents.
