The UVic Dog Park was one of the only genuinely fenced in dog parks on the southwest side of Saanich, with the nearest fenced dog park (Pemberton Park) is 6 kms away and just over a hectare in size. Some small parks in the Greater Victoria Region have off-leash areas dedicated to allow owners to let their dogs “run free” though these typically aren't fenced in and near roads and traffic. Most parks however are not “dedicated” off leash dog parks and other recreational users are often quick to remind dog owners that their dog must remain on its leash. The conflicting values between non-dog owners and dog owners is an age old tale, especially in Victoria. The UVic dog park was a space specifically for dogs, fenced in, in central Saanich close to the University, Cadboro bay and a large part of the population of Victoria. In the event that UVIC restores the Dog Park and allows public access once more, there would still be a shortage of dog friendly green space.
Updates
November 30, 2022
Walking past the empty fence today reminded me why I started this because my dog still looks for the gate every time we pass by. The stories you are sharing in the comments about how much this space meant to your daily routine are incredibly moving and I am compiling them all to present to the university administration. We need to keep pushing until they understand that this wasn't just a patch of grass but a vital community hub for us and our companions.
November 30, 2022
Seeing this kind of momentum reminds me why I started this fight for my own dog who still stands by the gate expecting to run. It feels like the community is finally acknowledging how much we rely on this space for our daily peace of mind.
14 Comments
Can't happen soon enough. With on leash only at Caddy Bay there is no safe place for dogs to exercise . It is frustrating to drive by and see it empty
Went there for decades. As UVic student in 80s till when it was closed to us. Terrible and heartbreaking for community and has created negative feelings re UVic for many since. Surely, a harmonious usage solution could have reached without such Draconian measures.
Thankyou
It’s sitting empty , so many puppies could be had
Not clear on strategy behind this petition as Saanich asked UVIC to reopen and they refused for some reason. Possibly complaints from surrounding property owners. But any effort to have it reopened would be very welcome!
This is a great park- need to keep it open for our dogs to enjoy
So important to mee the needs of all citizens, including dog owners. It was a great loss to the community when this area was closed. It was used in a healthy way for many citizens for such a long time.
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The UVic Dog Park was one of the only genuinely fenced in dog parks on the southwest side of Saanich, with the nearest fenced dog park (Pemberton Park) is 6 kms away and just over a hectare in size. Some small parks in the Greater Victoria Region have off-leash areas dedicated to allow owners to let their dogs “run free” though these typically aren't fenced in and near roads and traffic. Most parks however are not “dedicated” off leash dog parks and other recreational users are often quick to remind dog owners that their dog must remain on its leash. The conflicting values between non-dog owners and dog owners is an age old tale, especially in Victoria. The UVic dog park was a space specifically for dogs, fenced in, in central Saanich close to the University, Cadboro bay and a large part of the population of Victoria. In the event that UVIC restores the Dog Park and allows public access once more, there would still be a shortage of dog friendly green space.
Updates
November 30, 2022
Walking past the empty fence today reminded me why I started this because my dog still looks for the gate every time we pass by. The stories you are sharing in the comments about how much this space meant to your daily routine are incredibly moving and I am compiling them all to present to the university administration. We need to keep pushing until they understand that this wasn't just a patch of grass but a vital community hub for us and our companions.
November 30, 2022
Seeing this kind of momentum reminds me why I started this fight for my own dog who still stands by the gate expecting to run. It feels like the community is finally acknowledging how much we rely on this space for our daily peace of mind.
14 Comments
Thank you so much for circulating this petition. At the time of closure I was shocked as the Covid lockdown had just started. Most community organizations and services were expanding in whatever way they could to ease people’s stress. So UVic’s action on this as well as the closure of Finnerty Gardens to the public for the duration of the lockdown stood out like a sore thumb. In answer to a letter of complaint I wrote to the University I received an extensive rationalization of why this needed to be done with no acknowledgement of the hardship it caused to people and pets in the community.
Can't happen soon enough. With on leash only at Caddy Bay there is no safe place for dogs to exercise . It is frustrating to drive by and see it empty
Went there for decades. As UVic student in 80s till when it was closed to us. Terrible and heartbreaking for community and has created negative feelings re UVic for many since. Surely, a harmonious usage solution could have reached without such Draconian measures.
Thankyou
It’s sitting empty , so many puppies could be had
Not clear on strategy behind this petition as Saanich asked UVIC to reopen and they refused for some reason. Possibly complaints from surrounding property owners. But any effort to have it reopened would be very welcome!
This is a great park- need to keep it open for our dogs to enjoy
So important to mee the needs of all citizens, including dog owners. It was a great loss to the community when this area was closed. It was used in a healthy way for many citizens for such a long time.
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Thank you so much for circulating this petition. At the time of closure I was shocked as the Covid lockdown had just started. Most community organizations and services were expanding in whatever way they could to ease people’s stress. So UVic’s action on this as well as the closure of Finnerty Gardens to the public for the duration of the lockdown stood out like a sore thumb. In answer to a letter of complaint I wrote to the University I received an extensive rationalization of why this needed to be done with no acknowledgement of the hardship it caused to people and pets in the community.