KENILWORTH – Township staff in Wellington North are looking into the possibility of clearing the track at the Mount Forest Community Centre to accommodate dog walkers, but it’s probably not going to happen this season.
Prompted by a motion from councillor Penny Renken at an earlier council meeting, a report on the snow-clearing proposal was included in the Feb. 10 meeting agenda for information.
“In the absence of a formal dog park, this property and track has been informally used by the community as an alternative to sidewalk use,” the report stated.
It went on to say staff estimate it would take “approximately one hour per day” to clear the track of snow, depending on the depth, and the activity would be something that could only be done after sidewalks were cleared and other winter road maintenance activities were completed.
Waste disposal is also an issue that would have to be resolved.
“At present, some walkers who use the grounds leave bags of animal waste on the track, which staff must address in the spring,” the report stated.
“If the area is plowed, recreation services would add another garbage can, hopefully reducing the amount of animal waste left on the track.”
The report stated the township would need “messaging” promoting “that pets are on leash at all times and that animal waste is picked up and properly disposed of.”
While no dollar figures were provided, the report suggested there would be “increased operational costs” associated with staffing and vehicle use to plow the track, as well as to remove waste from the track.
Council discussed the report briefly, with Mayor Andy Lennox wondering whether the hope was to attempt to start clearing the track this season.
“That would be up to staff to take a look to see if it’s feasible,” said Renken.
Chief Administrative Officer Brooke Lambert said the snow clearing is feasible, but whether it would happen this year would depend on circumstances.
“If it’s not feasible this season, perhaps it’s something we build into the plan for next year,” Lambert said.
Councillor Lisa Hern pointed out the snowfall expected in the forecast, saying, “I’m not sure that now is a really good time to start this.”
She expressed support for exploring the snow-clearing plan for next season.
“It would also help us plan out the whole garbage situation, which I think is a problem,” Hern said.
Council voted in favour of receiving the report for information with no added amendment to start the plowing this season.
