Council discussion gets ‘dirty’

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Most people have heard urban phrases that further degrade ‘talking trash’ into talking something else – something that’s smelly, brown and pretty darned unsightly.

This week city council talked a little of that same substance, discussing what some inconsiderate dog owners are leaving behind at Ginter’s off-leash dog park, even though the city provides baggies for convenient pickup.

A letter to city council sparked the discussion with Coun. Cameron Stolz expressing his disappointment in the habits of those who don’t do what they should with the doggy-do.

“I believe this is a trial?” Stolz asked of Guy Gusdal with the city’s bylaw services.

“Yes,” Gusdal replied adding that the city is not responsible for removing the deposits. “We will be bringing a report to council in a few months (regarding the response to the dog park).”

Stolz mentioned the dog park trial came after an impassioned plea for just such an area was put before council.

He added those inconsiderate enough to leave the stinky stuff behind ought to go into a hall of shame and said if self-policing isn’t working and the park isn’t being maintained, perhaps council should not consider more parks.

Mayor Shari Green pointed out the problem isn’t just happening in dog parks, but rather on city streets and sidewalks as well.

She added a bylaw is in place and people caught ignoring those little treasures can be fined, saying perhaps they were looking at a revenue generator.

Coun. Garth Frizzell pointed out the Ginter park is very well used and said he believes most pet owners are considerate and cleaning up after their animals.