Find the latest news here!
Find the latest news here!
Beaver Lake Off Leash area explored
The CRD Regional Parks Board has recommended staff develop a report looking into improving the Governor General area at Elk/Beaver Lake Park (the green grass area at the east side entrance to Beaver Lake by the road). This off leash location is frequently used by dog owners, but many have expressed concerns about the minimal fencing by busy roads surrounding it. The CRD Parks Department have recently added some split rail in response to these concerns. The motion to have staff investigate options for improving the area was brought forward by CRD Parks board member Colin Plant, it will now go to the full CRD Board in November 2025 for final approval. The report from staff will likely come back for review in 2026.
Fencing in PKOLS
Saanich is doing some work on fencing in PKOLS. There are some new rope fences on the trail joining little Mt Doug back to the main PKOLS trails for example. The Society has been invited by Saanich staff to walk the area and discuss the location, costs and type of fencing that is being brought forward. As many of you recall, during the PPP process the Society repeatedly requested that the tiny 1.5 km leash optional trail not be enclosed as it would take away from the natural trail environment. Council did pass a motion to remove full fencing from the implementation of the PPP. More on this to come.
Lambrick Park Public Engagement
CRDDOGS has been involved in the public engagement discussions about the changes at Lambrick Park. The Saanich website has details on the Lambrick Park Renewal Project. There is a survey that the public can complete on the project - Lambrick Park Survey.
CRD Dogg Society AGM
The AGM was held on November 18 with members being given an update on some projects in the region. Our thanks to resigning Director Mark Pratt for all his work and commitment and a warm welcome to our new Director Jaye Pelton.
Times Colonist story here
The 2025 - 2026 Board of Directors
Panama Flats Update - January 26 Council Meeting
Saanich Council met on January 26 and unanimously vote 8-1 to not have an off-leash area in the one kilometre strip of the pathway as described below. See the report in the Times Colonist.
Panama Flats Concept Plan - 2026 Update
In the fall of last year we reported that Saanich Council unanimously approved the Panama Flats Concept Plan. Saanich Parks Staff invited us to participate in developing the plan, listened to our feedback and included most of our ideas in the final Concept Plan.
The Concept Plan acknowledged the sensitivity of the wetlands by banning dogs there, but allowed for just a little more off leash space along the gravel path, separated from the wetlands, shared with bike commuters, of about a kilometre between Hyacinth Park and Roy Road.
The Council met on January 12 to review the plan and several groups spoke out against this compromise. We were not a presence in the room.
Council decided they did not want to live up the commitments made to the dog owners in their community, as had been proposed in the staff report. Instead they asked staff to bring back other options that exclude dogs in even more of the park and for the few trails left to become on leash only.
What was proposed as the compromise?
1. Changing to NO Dogs in the ‘Do Not Disturb’ or wetlands area which everyone consulted, including us supported.
2. Changing to on leash only in most of the other areas around Panama Hill, which again most agreed with, including us.
3. Changing the short wide gravel path that runs between Hyacinth Park and Roy Rd and is bordered with brambles, dividing much of it from the rest of the park, to off leash and adding a small open grassy area at the end.
What was proposed as an amenity for dogs off leash is less than a kilometre, shared with bikes and made of gravel. And now we can’t have that.
We have been in touch with local media about this reversal by Saanich Council, and we were featured in Capital Daily on January 18.
Eulala Mills was also interviewed by Chek News and that was broadcast on January 18. The video clip is 13:20 into the broadcast.
Council will further discuss the Plan and the animal component bylaw at the January 26 meeting.
Bits and Barks
Who’s A Good Dog Tip
What’s the proper etiquette when encountering a dog on-leash when your dog is on leash? It’s always a good idea to have your leash ready and call your dog towards you.
Ask the other owner if they’d like you to leash your dog or if it’s ok that your dog is off-leash and/or greets their dog. Leash your dog up and wait for the other owner to respond. They may say “Hey no worries, my dog is fine saying hi?” or “Thank you for doing that, my dog is reactive.” Respect their response and move along ensuring the experience has been positive for both park and trail users.