Did you know that PKOLS has 21 km of trails, but only 1.7 km are available for off-leash dogs? That's about 8% of the trail network.

Now compare that to Pacific Spirit Regional Park in Vancouver.

When Metro Vancouver proposed reducing off-leash access, thousands of residents spoke up. The public response was overwhelming. Instead of pushing ahead, Metro Vancouver paused the proposed trail changes and committed to more public engagement while focusing on education, signage and enforcement first. They listened.

In Saanich, many residents, community groups and dog owners also spoke up. We asked for balance. We asked for evidence-based decisions. We asked Council to preserve reasonable access to our urban park.

Instead, off-leash opportunities at PKOLS were reduced to just 1.7 km of 21 km of trails, despite significant public opposition.

This isn't just about dogs.

It's about whether public consultation actually matters.

When people participate in good faith, they deserve to know their voices were
genuinely considered—not simply heard and dismissed.

As we head into the 2026 election, ask candidates one simple question:

How will you ensure public consultation actually influences decisions in Saanich?

#VoteForChangeInSaanich #PKOLS #Saanich #PublicConsultation #UrbanParks #CRDDOGGSociety

There Is a Better Way: Seal Bay Nature Park Shows It Can Be Done

When people say that protecting nature and allowing people to enjoy parks can't coexist, they should take a look at Seal Bay Nature Park in the Comox Valley.

Seal Bay successfully balances environmental protection with public access across more than 30 km of trails, including a mix of:
🐾 Off-leash dog areas (in designated zones)
🚶 On-leash trails
🚫 Sensitive areas where dogs are not permitted
🚴 Cycling opportunities
🐴 Equestrian trails

Thousands of people enjoy the park every year while important habitats remain protected.

This is exactly what the CRD DOGG Society has advocated for from the beginning—a balanced approach where everyone has a place.

We have never argued that dogs should be everywhere. We have consistently supported:
✅ Protected environmentally sensitive areas
✅ On-leash spaces
✅ Off-leash recreation
✅ Fair access for all park users

The question isn't whether balance is possible.

The question is why Saanich chose a different path when successful models already exist.

It's time for a Parks Strategy based on collaboration, evidence, and common sense—not unnecessary conflict.

If you'd like to help create a better future for Saanich parks, join us.

👉 https://www.crddoggsociety.ca/membership/p/crd-dogg-society-membership-2026-election

#VoteForChange2026 #Saanich #PeoplePetsAndParks #CRDDOGGSociety #BalancedParks

Was the PKOLS fencing really necessary?

Residents deserve to know that major decisions affecting our parks are based on evidence, transparency, and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

When it comes to the fencing installed in PKOLS, there are some important questions that still haven't been answered:

• Where is the evidence-based research? There has been no publicly presented research demonstrating that this level or style of fencing was necessary.

• Where are the before-and-after comparisons? There was no clear baseline established to measure whether the fencing would improve ecological outcomes, nor was there a publicly communicated plan to monitor and compare results over time.

• Why such an excessive fence? The height and appearance of the fencing is unlike the split-rail fencing used throughout much of PKOLS and many other Saanich parks. It has fundamentally changed the look and feel of an urban public park.

• The elk comparison doesn't fit. Councillor Judy Brownoff stated that this was the same style of fencing used in national parks to keep elk out. But PKOLS is not a national park, and there are no elk in PKOLS. If the circumstances are different, shouldn't the solution be different too?

• What happened to Council's own direction? During discussion of the People, Pets and Parks Strategy (PPP) in 2023, the Mayor specifically requested that fencing the entire leash optional space be limited. Yet extensive fencing was ultimately installed and then some.

• Was this the right spending priority in Saanich? At a time when residents are dealing with rising property taxes, higher water bills, and increasing costs of living, spending $105,434 on fencing deserves careful scrutiny. Every dollar spent on one project is a dollar that cannot be spent on other community priorities.

Good environmental stewardship and responsible fiscal management can go hand in hand. We can protect sensitive areas while also expecting decisions to be supported by evidence, measured over time, and respectful of both our public parks and taxpayers.

As we head into the 2026 municipal election, let's ask candidates whether they support evidence-based decision-making, financial accountability, and balanced management of our shared public spaces.

It's time for thoughtful leadership and real accountability in Saanich - VOTE FOR CHANGE 2026 - October 17, 2026

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.