Toronto Park Bans Commercial Dog Walkers Amid Resident Complaints
In a recent development that's causing quite a stir among Toronto's dog-loving community, the city has decided to ban commercial dog walkers from the off-leash area of Ramsden Park. This decision, set to take effect on September 19, comes after numerous complaints from residents about noise and overcrowding issues.
The ban, which was approved by City Council on June 26, is a direct response to grievances voiced by local residents. Complaints about noise disturbances, parking difficulties, and a perceived lack of space have been cited as primary reasons for the new restriction. Councillor Dianne Saxe, who championed the motion, highlighted that the off-leash area had become excessively noisy and congested due to the heavy use by commercial dog walkers.
However, this move has sparked significant backlash from the commercial dog walking community. Dog walkers, who rely on Ramsden Park for their services, argue that this ban threatens their livelihoods and reduces their ability to serve their clients effectively. Jenn Reck, one of the advocates against the ban, voiced her frustration, stating, “Now we don’t have a park in the neighborhood to go to. I’ll have to drive further, which impacts my ability to service my clients as efficiently as I used to.”
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Rebecca Riddell, another vocal opponent of the ban and owner of Bark Buddies, emphasized that Ramsden Park is unique in offering a designated area for small dogs. She expressed concerns about the safety of integrating these small dogs into mixed dog parks. “The city is essentially asking us to move small dogs from a designated area to a mixed space, which poses significant risks,” Riddell explained.
Residents who support the ban argue that the complaints are justified. Tom Clark, a local resident, noted the problems caused by large groups of dogs barking incessantly. On the other hand, some argue that the complaints may be exaggerated. One nearby resident pointed out, “You live next to a dog park in downtown Toronto; noise and parking issues are part of that lifestyle.”
In an attempt to address both sides of the issue, a group of commercial dog walkers has initiated an online petition. They are advocating for a compromise, suggesting that commercial dog walkers be allowed to use the park during designated hours, specifically between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. This proposal aims to reduce the impact on residents while still providing essential services to dog owners.
City Council has acknowledged the concerns and hinted at possible adjustments. Councillor Saxe has suggested that changes to bylaw regulations might be necessary to accommodate commercial dog walkers during specific off-peak hours, which could be a viable middle ground.
While the ban remains set to go into effect in mid-September, the debate over its implications continues. The city has indicated that the ban is temporary, pending further review and the development of a Citywide Off-Leash Area Master Plan. For now, the community remains divided, with passionate arguments from both residents and commercial dog walkers about what’s best for the park and its users.
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