Duane Hicks
The Town of Fort Frances is looking at prohibiting dogs at “Seven Oaks” this summer, and is asking the public for input on alternate designated areas at the Point Park for dog activity.
A public meeting regarding the matter is slated for Monday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Centre.
“There is an ongoing situation we feel needs to be corrected,” Fort Frances CAO Mark McCaig said at Monday night’s council meeting.
The pertinent bylaw currently states that during June, July, and August, dogs are prohibited in the areas adjacent to the beach and east of the railway at Point Park.
But in the area known as “Seven Oaks,” dogs are permitted under the control of a leash.
For some time, the town has been hearing concerns from residents regarding dog owners at Seven Oaks not exercising proper care and control of their dogs, as well as not cleaning up after them, noted McCaig.
He added town staff have noted there’s a considerable amount of dog feces in this area.
The Planning and Development executive committee has recommended amendments to the bylaw, starting with a prohibition of dogs at Seven Oaks.
At the same time, the committee realizes people still will want an area to be designated where dogs can be taken and access the water away from where the public has been using the beach for swimming and family activities.
“We need to find a compromise where maybe we can allow the dogs access somewhere to the water, maybe closer to where the old government dock existed [but not to interfere with swimmers],” McCaig said.
“We don’t have a recommendation yet,” he added.
“We’re going to rely on some of the feedback from the public first.”
McCaig stressed the Seven Oaks area is important for several reasons, and must be given the proper care and respect.
First and foremost, it is a place of cultural and spiritual significance for local First Nations.
It’s also important to residents as a place where they have gathered for years to mark events like weddings, anniversaries, and prom, noted McCaig, adding it always has been the primary spot to capture special moments in photographs.
Time will be allotted during the next council meeting (Jan. 26) for the public to provide input on any possible designated areas for permitted dog activity at Point Park.
Everyone is welcome to attend and provide their input.
“We’re going to make this as consultative an approach as possible, but we do have a mind to do something substantial at the area known currently as Seven Oaks,” McCaig stressed.
“At this point, it looks like a prohibition of dogs in the area.
“That being said, we’re going to have to find a solution,” he added. “We’re going to get the info we need and go from there.
“A final decision has not, however, been made,” McCaig noted.
