Local Dog Park debate continues....

In today's Williams Lake Tribune, the thorny issue of whether or not 'political favoritism' was shown in getting a dog park approved continues with commentary from Tribune columnist Diana French and local Recreation Advisory Committee member David Reedman

Ms. French says good on Councillor Walters for championing a dog park but how about a WL Council champion for Scout Island...?

Meanwhile - Mr. Reedman stills challenges local City Councillor Laurie Walters for any 'facts' to show that the dog park was a priority of the public, contrary to both the 2011 Central Cariboo Recreation Survey and the recently adopted Parks, Trails and Outdoor Master Plan which neither document challenged elected officials to develop a dog park as a recreation priority

In my view, if a 2nd dog park is to be a reality, Councillor Walters will need to send that proposal to the local Recreation Advisory Committee for its' input prior to the 2nd dog park plan being approved by Williams Lake City Council, in order for this dog park controversy to die down.  As Mr. Reedman challenges other taxpayers - if you wish to either support Mr. Reedman's call for a review prior to a 2nd dog park or support the actions of Councillor Walters and the local Dog Park Committee - you may email your thoughts to her at lwalters@williamslake.ca

From Mr. Reedman - Aug 21st WL Tribune 'Letter to the Editor':

I am responding to Valerie Thiessen's letter in support of the new Williams Lake dog park

I am glad to see that a small group of individuals got together to work on established a dog park

Groups, such as these, play a key role in developing good projects in our community

I applaud the people on the Dog Park Committee for letting (Williams Lake) City Council know that they want a dog park

However, the planning and implementation of such a project is critical to ensuring that the project is well used and enjoyed by the community

Ms. Thiessen is right that there are various groups utilizing city parks and financial resources.  This is precisely the reason that (Williams Lake City) Council, City Staff, and volunteers spending significant amounts of time developing community plans and park use plans.  The Boitanio Dog Park that has been built is outside of these plans and was not identified as a priority for the very limited parks and recreation funding that the City (of Williams Lake) has available

Given the realities of our City's budgets, is it not in our best interests to ensure that every dime spent on any project is backed by a well thought-out plan?  Councillor Laurie Walters could not produce any research to back the dog park design that was built, and the design and location of the dog park was not even reviewed by the City's Planner

Were safety concerns considered in the design and the location of the dog park, and if yes, what has been put into place to mitigate these concerns?

While it is admirable that the Dog Park Committee is fundraising to further develop the dog park, I find it unusual that the City put up the fencing in advance of seeing any fundraised monies.  I have a dog and enjoy seeing people and their dogs around town and in the parks of our city, but I want to see my tax dollars used on well-planning projects

I'm still looking for an explanation from Councillor (Laurie) Walters, who has championed the dog park, as to why this project was deemed a priority despite three (3) City of Williams Lake Council reports suggesting otherwise, as well as, why it was built so quickly without thorough planning

Other taxpayers' may also want to ask Councillor Walters this same question considering that she has stated that she is already thinking about developing another dog park

David Reedman
Williams Lake