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New Pickering dog park will be dedicated to late councillor Ian Cumming

Thestar.com
December 17, 2021

A late councillor's love for animals will be on display at an off-leash dog park in Pickering.

Ward 2 city Coun. Ian Cumming died in November, and was a well-known animal lover and advocate.

At the Monday, Dec. 13 council meeting, Ward 2 regional Coun. Bill McLean introduced a motion that the new off-leash dog area at Balsdon Park, be dedicated in memory of Cumming. The motion was passed unanimously.

“I think it’s just as equally important to show a picture of Coun. Cumming with his beloved pets on one of the dedications,” McLean said.

Pickering chief administrative officer Marisa Carpino confirmed a photo will be part of the dedication and it will be located at the entrance and highly visible. The City of Pickering plans to install the dedication in the spring or early summer.

McLean said his fellow Ward 2 councillor was a strong supporter of the community and was well respected and worked hard for residents. He pointed out that Cumming brought forward the motion to have the park renovated in the first place.

“It was an unused piece of green space for the longest time and now through his vision he’s turned this into a destination place for people and animals to go and enjoy the serenity of the park,” McLean said.

Ward 3 regional Coun. David Pickles was happy to support the dedication of the park after his late friend.

“This park is just a stone’s throw from Ian’s home,” he said. “I cycle through the park regularly and I see the off-leash area being used regularly by dogs and dog enthusiasts, something I am sure Ian would have liked.”