I own a dog AND I vote!

Photo credit: Rosalyn Jones-Smith

KPDC salutes City Councillor John Orlikow for funding  the installation of a new park bulletin board in Brenda Leipsic Dog Park. The River Heights-Fort Garry Councillor has earned high praise from dog owners who use the off-leash area.

Councillor Orlikow wants dog owners to use the bulletin board to get more involved in protecting the park. Last March City Council approved a route through the Parker Wetlands for the second phase of the southwest rapid transit corridor.  The proposed route could impact the dog park.

At a Parker Wetlands rally in June, Orlikow noted that Brenda Leipsic Dog Park and others in the city like Kilcona  are “in limbo” and he encouraged dog park users to organize an advocacy group like KPDC. Orlikow said that engaged dog park users who take ownership of the land, and advocate for the park could make all the difference for the future of the off-leash area.

Brenda Liepsic dog owners have been quick to take advantage of the bulletin board and their new FaceBook group to communicate with each other.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/323470424453318/

Photo credit: Georgina Sabesky

Councillor Orlikow is one of a growing number of City Councillors who are speaking publicly about the value of high quality dog parks.  According to Transcona Councillor Russ Wyatt, “There’s no doubt we’re playing catch up as a city when it comes to dog parks, compared to other cities in Canada. Wyatt  is working to change that,  requiring Genstar to include a dog park  in its application to build the new Devonshire Village subdivision in Transcona. Wyatt also required that the developer, not the City, pay for the dog park – a first for Winnipeg.

Councillors are not only speaking up for dog parks, they’re also funding improvements to off-leash areas. In June Riel Community Committee Councillors Brian Mayes (St. Vital), Dan Vandal (St. Boniface) and Justin Swandal (St. Norbert) voted to approve a $25,000 grant to Maple Grove Park Dog Owners Association for off-leash area parking lot improvements.

In September EKT  Community Committee Councillors Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan), Russ Wyatt (Transcona) and Thomas Steen (East Kildonan voted to approve a $20,000 grant to KPDC for new furnishings in Kilcona’s off-leash area. The EKT Councillors also provide financial support to KPDC for the club’s park improvement fundraising events.