Newmarket agrees to fund dog park

YorkRegion.com
July 24, 2014
Chris Simon

A Newmarket park will soon go to the dogs, at least partially.

In an 8-1 vote Monday, council approved a leash-free dog area in George Richardson Park, along the west side of Bayview Avenue, south of the nearby Tom Taylor Trail entrance. Councillor Maddie Di Muccio cast the lone opposing tally.

As part of the decision, a $150,000 budget was set for the project. Of that, $50,000 is covered by development charges, while the rest will be temporarily funded through town reserves. However, the reserves will be replenished through park sponsorship agreements in the next few years.

Councillor Jane Twinney was glad to see this moving forward, suggesting if this site is successful, the town could explore locations for more dog parks in the future. Residents are really looking forward to having a dog park in Newmarket and there’s a need for these kinds of facilities, she added.

The budget was initially set at $100,000, with half the amount scheduled to be paid for through sponsorships, but sponsorship commitments have greatly exceeded expectations and staff say the budget increase will be used to provide more seating, trees and a concrete surface.

Sponsorship commitments have reached $100,000, development and infrastructure services commissioner Robert Prentice stated in a report.

There are some potential parking concerns at the site, but staff will consider erecting signage that will encourage dog owners to park at other areas along the trail and walk to the leash-free site. They’ll also investigate if a pedestrian crossing is necessary along Bayview.

“I don’t understand why (staff) come to council with a number and almost always come back needing a little bit more money,” Di Muccio said of the increased budget. “This is not in my comfort zone.”

Regional Councillor John Taylor says the site is necessary and will be constructed in an ideal location, far away from homes.

The site is expected to cost $20,000 to $25,000 per year to maintain.