An off leash dog park will be established in Germain Park.
Sarnia council has endorsed the one year pilot project to commence next spring.
Councillor Mike Kelch moved the recommendation.
"I don't have a dog, so I literally do not have a dog in this fight," said Kelch. "Having said that, the recommendation is that the capital costs be subject to budget deliberations. So this is moving the project forward to the budget and then of course, as we all know, on budget day everything is up for grabs."
Kelch said its important to keep in mind that it is a trial.
"In my experience on council, when we've decided to do something on a trial basis, that is essentially depending a lot on a group of volunteers to make it work it can go one of two ways. Either, it's not going to work, because eventually people lost interest and it doesn't get maintained or it mobilizes a group of volunteers in the city, to really have something there of value."
Staff was directed in April 2015 to work with members of the community, including the Clearwater Dog Park Committee, to provide possible locations for an off leash project.
The one acre site, on the south border of Germain Park east of the lawn bowling parking lot, will include two separately fenced areas. One for large dogs and the other for small/shy/senior dogs.
In addition to the 640 feet of “Game Fencing” previously purchased by the Clearwater Dog Park Committee, fencing to complete the project has been estimated to cost $10,000.00 - $15,000.
Signs stating safety rules and contact information for comments or complaints will also be posted.
Sarnia council has referred $20,000 in additional funding to the 2017 Parks and Recreation capital budget for consideration.
