Guelph City Council Votes to Keep Fenced-In Dog Park

In controversial canine news, Guelph City Council voted for the fenced-in leash-free dog parks at Peter Misersky & Bristol Park to remain open. Around 150 people attended the Council meeting with 27 delegates registered to talk. An additional 225 people contacted the city about the dog parks and the “Keep Misersky Park Open” online petition had 4,936 supporting signatures.

Last June City Council approved a plan to build three dog parks within Guelph, spending $100,000 of tax payers money to setup the first fenced-in area at Peter Misersky Park. Earlier this month Council reversed that decision, voting to close the first dog park and cancel the two others after continuously hearing complaints from a few residents living near Peter Misersky. 

Today City Council agreed with Mayor Guthrie that the decision made earlier this month at their Committee of the Whole meeting was out of order, going against their procedural rules. As Council's vote took any mention of Peter Misersky & Bristol Street off the table, the 27 delegates scheduled to speak did not get the chance to say a single word.

By labeling discussion of Peter Misersky and Bristol Park as out of order, the only remaining topics that could be talked about were the dog park operations and possible setup of another at Lee Street Park. The proposed third dog park at Lee Street was cancelled. City staff were also tasked with reviewing procedures for locking the parks overnight along other measures such as video cameras to help address issues raised by residents living near the parks. Mayor Guthrie jokingly suggested they train a dog to do the job. They could name him Nimby!

What do you think?
Is Guelph going to the dogs?
Does it really cost $100,000 to build a fence?
Will Mayor Guthrie hire a dog named Nimby?