Report to: Mayor and Members of Council Report Date: February 5, 2007

SUBJECT: Dog Off-Leash Terms of Reference Report

PREPARED BY: Mark Ingwersen, District Manager, Operations ext. 3000

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the staff report dated February 5, 2007 , entitled “Dog Off-Leash Terms of Reference Report” be received;

AND THAT Council adopt the “Leash Free Markham Committee Terms of Reference 2007” attached as Appendix “A” which is based on the Council approved “Town of Markham Parks Department Guidelines for Permanent Dog off-Leash Areas”;

AND THAT the Leash Free Markham Committee Terms of Reference 2007 be used to govern the Leash Free Markham Committee and the operation of Dog Off-Leash Areas;

AND THAT Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Not applicable

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

To recommend the adoption of the Leash Free Markham Terms of Reference 2007.

BACKGROUND:

The issue of Dog Off-Leash Areas was considered by Council in 1999 and again in 2000. On July 10, 2001, Council approved a 14 month pilot project for a Dog Off-Leash Area in a 5 acre section of Milne Dam Park. Due to a number of complaints regarding safety of park users, disturbances of wildlife and objections from residents adjacent to the park, the Milne Dam’s pilot project site was closed in July, 2003. A permanent Dog Off-Leash Area on Miller Avenue was opened at that time.

In November 2003, the responsibility for the Dog Off-Leash issues was transferred from the Dog Off-Leash Committee to the newly created Community Issues Committee. The Miller Avenue Dog Off-Leash Area appeared to be meeting the needs for an off-leash area at that time and the Community Issues Committee did not meet to discuss the Dog Off-Leash issues until a request was received to further review the issue in October 2004.

On January 9, 2006, the Community Issues Committee recommended a permanent volunteer run Dog Off-Leash program be established based on a successful model run in the City of Mississauga. The Dog Off-Leash Report was submitted to the Mayor and Council. At the request of Council, Mississauga Councillor Pat Saito appeared before the General Committee on June 19, 2006, to speak about the Mississauga program. On June 27, 2006, Council approved the program including “Town of Markham Parks Department Guidelines for Permanent Dog Off-Lash Areas” and the formation of a Leash Free Markham Committee (LFMC) to organize and represent all local Dog Off-Leash Groups.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

In order to move forward with the creation of the Leash Free Markham Committee, an official Terms of Reference needs to be approved by Council. The adoption of the Terms of Reference 2007 is recommended to create and govern the actions of the Leash Free Markham Committee and the operation of Dog Off Leash Areas. The Terms of Reference details the Duties and Composition of the Leash Free Markham Committee. The Terms of Reference are based on the Guidelines approved by Council. The Terms of Reference has been reviewed by Town staff and the Town Solicitor.

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable.

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

● Legal Services Department

● Licensing and Enforcement

RECOMMENDED BY:

________________________ ________________________

Paul Ingham, Peter Loukes, P. Eng.

General Manager, Operations Director, Operations

________________________

Jim Sales,

Commissioner of Community &

Fire Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A “Leash Free Markham Committee Terms of Reference 2007”

Q:\Commission Share\Operations and Asset Management\Reports\2007\Operations\Parks\07-02-05_DOL Report to Council.doc