Penticton's parks and recreation committee will review fencing options for Riverside Park to allow for a safe off-leash area.
The area, adjacent to the skate park, was part of the leash-optional pilot program the city ran in 2024.
One of the pieces of feedback that arose out of the program was a concern over the nearby paths along the River Channel and on the other side of the park which are used by both pedestrians and cyclists.
"The unfortunate truth is we're trying to coexist and my priority is to try to let the people who are walking by feel safe and dogs are unpredictable," said Coun. Campbell Watt at March 17's council meeting. "They run up in a happy way, but they make people who are afraid of dogs very uncomfortable and I personally don't want to see that happen."
In January, council asked for options for fencing for the park alongside approving the expansion of the the fenced area at the Okanagan Park dog area and extension of the leash-optional program for three other city parks.
The January staff report had already gone through the parks and rec committee and had recommended continuing leash-optional access for Riverside as well as the other parks.
Council voted 4-1 to send the fencing options, which ranged from low level wood fencing and more restrictive metal fencing, to the parks and rec committee for review.
Coun. Isaac Gilbert was the sole vote in opposition, and expressed a desire to have more firm direction in the motion to have the committee more specifically look at closing the park or not.
"I'm not sure I could be more specific," said Coun. Watt in response. "I'm asking that Riverside Park, be evaluated for fencing, and if fencing is not an option, to not give up on the option to create a non-leash optional option."
Once the parks and recreation committee reviews the options, it will return to council for a further decision.
If fencing is approved, staff say the city has $50,000 that had been allocated to the Dartmouth Park near the Water Treatment Plant that could be reallocated for Riverside.
