A Mount Forest resident has appealed to Wellington North council to expand walking trails in the Mount Forest area and create an off-leash dog park.
Jillian Desroches, who addressed council on Nov. 21, said the only walking trail in Mount Forest is the Saugeen Trail and other walking trails are over a 30-minute drive away.
She added walking trails are beneficial to the health of the community; as well, they can increase tourism and property values.
“Having very few trails in Mount Forest and not having a sidewalk on every street makes it hard to properly exercise dogs,” she said.
Desroches proposed the township look into an area for an off-leash dog park.
She said costs to consider for a dog park include lawn maintenance, fencing, garbage removal, drinking water, lighting, benches and waste stations. She added she would like sponsors and volunteers to help with maintaining the park, much like those in Fergus and Hanover.
“Dog parks and dog activities are becoming very popular and are very important to the community,” she said.
Mayor Andy Lennox said the township is starting the process of a recreation master plan and would welcome her input at that stage.
Desroches said she would like to get started on a pilot project.
Lennox said he was not sure what could be done immediately.
Councillor Sherry Burke suggested Desroches speak with the people who meet at the unofficial dog park at the old fair grounds.
“I think it’s a very interesting concept,” she said.
