Council to consider relocation of damaged dog park

The Merritt dog park was inundated with water during the November floods.

“The damage to the dog park was extensive, and it has remained unusable since the flooding began. As a result, dogs and dog owners in Merritt have not had a place where dogs can play with each other, or run off leash,” wrote Director of Corporate Services, Greg Lowis.

It’s not the first time that relocation of the park has been considered by council, with a $140,000 capital project being proposed in December 2019. Council would eventually press pause on that project in March, 2020, however the main reasons for the proposal remain.

“Relocation of the dog park to the City owned parcel on Government Ave has historically been considered, due to the eventual necessity to expand the Public Works yard. To date, Council have not instructed staff to take action,” confirmed Lowis.

During tonight’s meeting, staff will propose moving the park south of it’s current location to the corner of Government and Main.

“Staff are now proposing that the dog park be relocated from the location beside the Public Works Yard to the grassed area immediately east of Centennial Park, at the intersection of Government Avenue and Main St. This is approximately 300 metres south of the current location,” said Lowis.

The City has received insurance funding from the loss of the dog park and that funding could be utilized for the relocation.