The Municipality of Brockton will explore other places to put a dog park after concerns were raised about the current pilot project's location.
Council approved piloting a dog park in Lobies Park back in 2024. Staff said the pilot should be reviewed annually but it wasn't brought forward during budget discussions this year due to other priorities.
The matter was discussed after nearby residents brought a delegation to council on Tuesday, challenging the placement's compliance with setback, noise and accessibility regulations.
Councillor Mitch Clark said council appreciated the group's feedback and other options should be looked at.
"I think that it's certainly reasonable that we ensure that the areas around there aren't disturbed by this noise and other issues," he said. "Again, this is a pilot project so it's important that we take this feedback and use at it. That's why we did this, to see what the pros and cons were."
Other locations had previously been presented to the Parks and Recreation Board and Lobies Park was chosen as most suitable. However, Clark suggested now staff look at the Eastridge Business Park as well as possible areas outside Walkerton.
Councillor Steve Travale also expressed concerns over the cost of the dog park, but staff told members there has been minimal costs for the pilot's temporary location, running just under $3,000.
The dog park has been closed this spring due to high water levels in the nearby Saugeen River.
Along with the concerns raised by neighbours, Councillor Clark said that the location may not be a sound investment for a permanent location if Walkerton has more seasons like this.
"I think from the location that's there with the flooding, even if we were to spend $50-$60 thousand on fencing, I would worry about a year like this year destroying that fencing. Even if it doesn't take it down, it's certainly going to damage and shorten the lifespand of it, which I don't think is a good use of the money," he said.
A report on possible other locations will be brought back next month.
