TAMRMS#: B06
10.2
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Small Dog Area Overhead Shelter
Notice given by: Councillor MacKay
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PROPOSED MOTION(S):
recommendation
That a permanent overhead shelter with seating (similar to the one in the big dog off leash area) be installed in the small dog off leash area of Lacombe Lake Park in conjunction with the 2024 construction of the remediation of the dog water access. To be funded from the dog license reserve.
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ADMINISTRATION’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTENT OF THE MOTION
Construction of a permanent overhead shelter with seating within the small dog area at Lacombe Lake Park, similar to the one within the general dog area, as part of the 2024 construction season. Funds for the project to be withdrawn from the dog license reserve.
PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to present a motion for which Councillor MacKay gave notice on March 5, 2024.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
In 2021, a designated area for small dogs was created within the Lacombe Lake Dog Park. This small dog area contains a tree-shaded bench area along with one unshaded bench. Small dogs and their owners also have access to amenities within the general dog area.
Administration has recently received an inquiry from an informal group of small dog area users requesting the City enhance the existing shaded seating area and provide a second seating option. This request was considered but not supported, as the current park amenities were deemed to meet the current City Manager Directive A-CS-07: Standards of City Dog Friendly Parks.
Since A-CS-07 has not been reviewed since 2017, Administration has identified it for review and update in 2025. To inform this update, public engagement related to dog designated areas and amenities is planned later this year.
In response to this Notice of Motion, two shade shelter options have been identified (see Table 1).
This work could be completed in 2024 and would be managed in conjunction with work at Lacombe Lake Park, procured in the most cost-effective manner. Advancing this project within the planned RMR work for 2024 would exhaust departmental capacity to take on projects without requiring new staffing resources or reprioritization of capital projects.
Should a motion be advanced, Administration recommends the above-mentioned Option 2.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
No engagement specific to this Council Motion has been completed or is suggested.
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
Funding for this project would come from the dog license reserve, which is intended to support the development and maintenance of dog off-leash areas and has a current uncommitted balance of approximately $365,000. Operating adjustments of approximately $3,000 will be made through future budget exercises.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
The action outlined in this Council Motion will not be considered a service standard.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks:
Community members may view this as a service standard.
Community members may be encouraged to come forward with additional requests for dog parks or off-leash areas that do not align with City standards.
Advancing site-specific or reactive capital requests draws down administrative capacity to advance a City standards approach to addressing dog-related capital and operating requests.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
A.1.53 Park Amenities - Provision of spontaneous amenities to enhance the overall experience in and use of parks spaces, such as boat docks, dog designated areas, and platforms.
Terms and conditions for designations of dog designated areas are in alignment with Administrative Directive A-CS-03: Off-Leash Area Designation and A-CS-07: Standards of City Dog-Friendly Parks and the Animal Bylaw 11/2013, City of St. Albert Parks and Open Space Standards and Guidelines, the Active Transportation Plan, and Council Policy - C-IS-01: Snow and Ice Control.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the recommendation, the following alternatives could be considered:
Alternative 1: Do nothing.
Administration would continue to monitor citizen inquiries related to the small dog area and consider changes to maintenance practices and amenity enhancements accordingly. This alternative is consistent in addressing similar park-related inquires that do not align with standards of service.
Financial:
None at this time.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks:
None at this time.
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Report Date: April 2, 2024
Author: Craig Cameron, Manager, Parks & Community Partnerships
Department: Recreation & Parks
Department Director: Daniele Podlubny
Managing Director: Diane Enger
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher