Another off-leash park in the offing

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Council approved a recommendation on Tuesday to establish an off-leash trail on the Brookdale tract portion of the town trails.

A report from Courtney Clarke, director of Public Works, said the property, which the township took possession of from the Region of Durham, already is open to the public and contains an existing trail network. She said staff have reviewed opportunities for its future use, including the potential to designate the trail network as an off-leash optional dog trail to allow people to have their dogs off leash.

Clarke said a number of items have to be finished first, including a new gravel parking lot, designing the trail to keep dogs from coming too close to Brookdale Road and adding signage. She estimated the work will cost $30,500, to be paid for partly by the Trail Sustainability Fund.

Mayor Dave Barton said council has heard "over and over" about an off-leash trail, saying the proposal would put 100 acres dedicated to off-leash walking. Councillor Pam Beach said the move "will satisfy a lot of people."

Council approved the recommendation.