Town to enforce dog walkers on parkway

With Phase II of the La Verendrye Parkway recently completed as the community’s newest attraction, the town is taking a hard line to make sure dog owners mind their four-legged friends when using it.
Rick Hallam, superintendent of Planning and Development, said this morning that a local resident and businessman recently came forward with an informal complaint “regarding dogs at large and dog excrement along the La Verendrye parkway.”^As a result, council—upon the recommendation of the Planning and Development executive committee— has directed that signage be installed at various locations along the parkway stating:
•all dogs must be on a leash;
•dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs; and
•the set amount of fines for failing to do so.
As well, additional garbage bins will be installed to make it more convenient for dog owners to dispose of their pet’s waste.
These signs and bins will be located along the entire parkway— from the south end of Victoria Avenue to Calder Drive at Pither’s Point.
Bylaw enforcement officer Arlene Byrnes noted the bylaw department is willing and ready to charge non-compliant dog walkers.
The fine for having a dog at large is $55, as if the fine for failing to pick up after your dog.
This amount does not include the victim surcharge at the courthouse.
If the dog is not with the owner, it may be picked up. If so, the owner will have to pay $55 to “bail” their dog out.