Submitted by Marnie Younger-Dogs have been a problem at the Queen Charlotte Community Hall grounds for quite some time. Loose dogs scare the kids at the park, as do dogs that growl and bark at each other. There is often dog "poop" at the park, which poses many problems. Often curious toddlers will pick up or touch the "poop". Children and ball players are at risk of stepping in it. These situations are unpleasant and unhygienic.
The issue of dogs on the grounds was raised at the last Community Club meeting. The committee is made up of a small number of volunteers who make up a very small cross section of the population of Queen Charlotte. It seemed that there was a decision to be made and after some discussion the attending committee members decided to ban dogs from the grounds which seemed to be a simple solution. An article was submitted and printed in the July 8 Observer which let the public know of its new policy of allowing no dogs on the grounds of the community hall.
In hindsight the decision was hastily made and we began to rethink it after the article was printed. It has been brought to the attention of the board members that there could be a better solution for all. The club would like to ask all dog owners to not leave their dogs unsupervised on the hall grounds and please pick up after your dog on the playground and in the field. Please keep all dogs out of the fenced area in toddlers' park.
This issue will be revisited in the fall at the next Community Club meeting. If dog owners are responsible with their dogs, keeping them out of the playground and cleaning up after them, dogs will not be banned from the grounds. Please come out to the meeting if you would like a say in this matter or contact one of our board members: Marnie Younger 559-8777 or Marla Abbott 559-4242.