One of the people who originally spoke out loudly for a off-leash dog park in Sooke is no longer involved in the process, but says the location would be a good space. Jacklyn Orza spearheaded a petition which resulted in 457 signatures from supporters wanting to establish a off-leash dog park.
District of Sooke council on Feb. 12, directed staff to begin a public consultation process to establish such a park in the Ponds Park corridor.
In September 2012 the Land Use Committee recommended a public consultation process for an off-leash dog park in John Phillips Memorial Park but concerns were raised about site drainage requirements and the potential of conflicting uses in the park.
This spurred staff to consider the alternate site sandwiched in the Broomhill area with access off Rhodonite Drive, Acreman Place, Pond Place and Townsend Road.
The 1.3 hectare park contains a gravel path and is separated from residential lots by fences, vegetation and wetlands. It is expected that a fence would have to be built, signs and access trails put in. Staff estimates this to cost approximately $14,000. Optional amenities such as water service, benches, lighting and play features would cost another $11,000. Staff feel citizen group’s in-kind support and local business support could offset these costs.
Councillor Rick Kasper stated he did not recall earmarking any money for this park.
Mayor Milne said he felt the location was fairly central and in a “high and dry location.”