Saanich Proposes Leash-Only Policy for Panama Flats Trail

Residents of Saanich are voicing support for a revised proposal to designate the Colquitz River Trail, which runs adjacent to the wetlands, as a leash-only area. This decision comes in response to the declining populations of birds and wildlife, which are increasingly affected by climate change and habitat loss.

According to research from Cornell University, North America’s bird population has decreased by nearly 3 billion birds since 1970. The presence of dogs, even well-behaved ones, can significantly disrupt nesting birds, further exacerbating this decline. Local resident Conor Standen, a dog owner and advocate for wildlife, supports the initiative, emphasizing that designating a leash-only policy is not an attack on dogs but a necessary step to protect vulnerable species.

Standen notes that not all parks in Saanich can accommodate every activity. He echoes the sentiment of Coun. Harper, stating, “Not all parks can or should be available for all uses, but all uses are possible throughout the Saanich park system.” The proposal aims to balance the needs of dog owners with the critical requirement of safeguarding wildlife, particularly in areas adjacent to bird sanctuaries.

The narrative from some opposition letters claims that the council is excluding dogs from public spaces. This perspective overlooks the considerable options available to dog owners. The Saanich website lists 56 leash-optional dog parks and an additional 43 parks that allow dogs off-leash during specific hours from 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. Only four parks in the area prohibit dogs entirely. Notably, Hyacinth Park, a leash-optional park, is just a short walk south of Panama Flats.

Implementing the leash-only policy is expected to reduce confusion regarding where dogs can roam freely. It will also alleviate the need for costly fencing to protect the wetlands from dog activity, thereby allowing funds to be redirected to other community needs.

The proposed policy allows for dogs to be walked on-leash throughout most of the park, while providing a designated fenced area for off-leash activities. This approach aims to prevent accidental disturbances to nesting birds, while still offering dog owners opportunities to exercise their pets.

Standen concludes by expressing gratitude to the council and mayor for their commitment to preserving Panama Flats as a protected area for future generations. He hopes that by restricting access to the Colquitz River Trail, the natural beauty and biodiversity of this significant habitat can be maintained. The decision reflects a growing awareness of the need to balance human activities with the protection of wildlife, ensuring that both can coexist harmoniously in Saanich.