CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

City wants input on off-leash plan

May 27, 2022 | 4:30 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Final recommendations on off-leash areas have been provided to city.

The City of Medicine Hat is hosting an open house on off-leash areas in the community, another step in implementing the recently adopted Parks & Recreation Master Plan.

Residents and trail users are invited to learn more and share feedback on a proposed policy outlining criteria on how off-leash areas will be designed.

“We understand the importance of trail safety, which includes the four-legged members of our families as well,” said Dave Young, special projects manager with the City of Medicine Hat. “We are confident that our residents, with and without pets, can help us shape a policy that keeps safe trail use at the top of minds.”

Scott Richter, acting recreation manager and business & innovation manager for the department, says during the development of the master plan, many residents reported how important Medicine Hat’s natural areas and parks are to them.

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“Designated off-leash areas can foster community, improve safety and make off-leash areas an important community asset,” he said.

The master plan provided the following action as a final recommendation:

• Conduct a study to identify optimal locations, sizes, and configurations of designated off-leash areas
• Change policy to only offer off-leash opportunities in specified areas

An open house to view the draft off-leash policy will be held on June 2 at the Southridge YMCA from 6-8 p.m. A draft version of the policy is also available for download on Shape Your City.

Young says they want to hear from all trail users and provide an opportunity for everyone to share their perspectives on how to can best manage these off-leash areas in a way which meets everyone’s needs.

An online survey is available on Shape Your City until June 10.