By now everyone is aware the city strike is over. We were blessed to still have garbage collection here in Etobicoke, but other city services were not available while the strike continued. That included the processing of our Leash Free Park application.
Now that the city workers are back at work, hopefully we will see our application processed, but that may mean an even longer wait. We have to be patient and time will see the fruit of our labours. In the mean time, let's continue to recruit new members. As the summer holidays are coming to a close and we are all back in the city, we hope to see more members join up.
Remember to tell your friends and neighbours to sign on to the website.
Showing posts with label Application Information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Application Information. Show all posts
August 9, 2009
July 5, 2009
City Update
As you all know by now- the outside city workers are on strike. Because the branch we are dealing with about the Leash-Free park are part of the Parks Department we can expect a longer delay regarding our application.
The good news is we are steadily gaining more and more new members. I encourage you to keep up the great work on spreading the word and recruiting members. We are fast approaching 50 strong, and would like to see the number top 100 by the time we meet with the City.
A last note- The bylaw enforcement workers are not on strike. You can still be ticketed for walking off leash in the park.
And one more thing- a car is hot in the summer. Even with windows open it can easily get too hot for our furry friends. Please leave the pups at home if you can't take them in the store with you.
Have a great summer.
The good news is we are steadily gaining more and more new members. I encourage you to keep up the great work on spreading the word and recruiting members. We are fast approaching 50 strong, and would like to see the number top 100 by the time we meet with the City.
A last note- The bylaw enforcement workers are not on strike. You can still be ticketed for walking off leash in the park.
And one more thing- a car is hot in the summer. Even with windows open it can easily get too hot for our furry friends. Please leave the pups at home if you can't take them in the store with you.
Have a great summer.
June 1, 2009
Application News
Hi all and welcome to several new members- Remember if you send me a photo we will post them on our blog.
Anyway, the application is in and has been received! That's the good news.
Unfortunately the City is in the process of reassessing the existing off-leash areas and all new applications are on hold till then. That means the optimistic processing time of 4 months could be much longer. :(
Until then we should continue to spread the word, and recruit new members. The hard part is yet to come. When the Parks Dept. assesses our site and meets with all of us, we will still need to pass a public meeting where we most likely will be met with opposition. This is where a strong, unified, organized and positive membership is vital.
Also remember, right now the waterfront is still an off leash area and as such dogs and owners caught are subject to a large fine.
Anyway, the application is in and has been received! That's the good news.
Unfortunately the City is in the process of reassessing the existing off-leash areas and all new applications are on hold till then. That means the optimistic processing time of 4 months could be much longer. :(
Until then we should continue to spread the word, and recruit new members. The hard part is yet to come. When the Parks Dept. assesses our site and meets with all of us, we will still need to pass a public meeting where we most likely will be met with opposition. This is where a strong, unified, organized and positive membership is vital.
Also remember, right now the waterfront is still an off leash area and as such dogs and owners caught are subject to a large fine.
April 20, 2009
What is Happening....
Since we have started to grow I thought it wise to contact the city about starting the process of designating a Leash-Free space. I spoke to a gentleman in the department who deals with off-leash parks and the processing of applications. He was tremendously helpful. I will try to explain all of the questions he was able to answer for us.
Q. ) Is the off-leash area at Don Russell due to close?
Ans.) At this point there are no plans to close Don Russell Off-leash area, but due to the construction and the exchange of lands- there will be some reassessment and possible fencing of the area in the future.
Q.) Has there ever been an application for an off-leash area in Colonel Sam Smith area?
Ans.) None officially since 2007, however there may have been casual enquiries in the past that were never pursued or discouraged due to low possibility of success.
Q.) What are the features or red flags the City looks for when processing an off-leash application.
Ans.) The City likes to see an area with good access to parking and amenities. Areas environmentally sensitive or designated as a nature reserve have a poor chance of a successful application.
Q.) What about areas like the Water Lands? Do we include them in a city application? What are the prospects of success?
Ans.) Water Lands -like those at RL Clark- have in the past been made into Off-leash areas. When creating an application include any and all lands in an area that are prospective Leash Free areas, and the Department will sort out any issues or problems with each area, that is part of the process.
Q.) How long does a normal application take to process?
Ans.) A simple process with no complications can take approximately 4 months.
So that means we should get started soon. The next step, an official meeting.
See you there!
Q. ) Is the off-leash area at Don Russell due to close?
Ans.) At this point there are no plans to close Don Russell Off-leash area, but due to the construction and the exchange of lands- there will be some reassessment and possible fencing of the area in the future.
Q.) Has there ever been an application for an off-leash area in Colonel Sam Smith area?
Ans.) None officially since 2007, however there may have been casual enquiries in the past that were never pursued or discouraged due to low possibility of success.
Q.) What are the features or red flags the City looks for when processing an off-leash application.
Ans.) The City likes to see an area with good access to parking and amenities. Areas environmentally sensitive or designated as a nature reserve have a poor chance of a successful application.
Q.) What about areas like the Water Lands? Do we include them in a city application? What are the prospects of success?
Ans.) Water Lands -like those at RL Clark- have in the past been made into Off-leash areas. When creating an application include any and all lands in an area that are prospective Leash Free areas, and the Department will sort out any issues or problems with each area, that is part of the process.
Q.) How long does a normal application take to process?
Ans.) A simple process with no complications can take approximately 4 months.
So that means we should get started soon. The next step, an official meeting.
See you there!
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