Litter problem dogs resort

By Wolf Depner - Penticton Western News - May 14, 2008

The city will limit access to doggy bags on a beach popular with dog owners.

It announced this decision after complaints from a local business.

Penticton Lakeside Resort general manager David Prystay raised the issue in a letter to the city last month.

“From our private beach to the Japanese Garden, the beach is littered with these white (empty) bags each and every day,” said Prystay, in a letter informing the city. “Our staff have investigated this and we have come to the conclusion that it is simply a matter of human ignorance.”

The city started offering biodegradable bags at six locations near the resort in 2005. “This area of the beach is a favourite for dog walkers especially in Okanagan Lake Park where there is a leash free area along the beach,” said Ian Haras, parks manager.

While Prystay commended the city for providing the bags, he said in his letter that they were not really necessary as most people walking their dogs carry their own bags. “Our guests are (also) provided with ecosafe, biodegradable doggie bags for their canine companions.”

Prystay also further raised the spectre of environmental damage caused by the bags.

“Ducklings and fish are now nibbling at the white plastic bags and additional wildlife will surely be impacted if the city allows this to continue,” he added.

City staff responding to the complaints are blaming vandals for the situation.

“We are assuming the bags are being pulled out of the dispensers by vandals and then littered on the beach,” said Haras.

City staff have since met with Prystay to discuss and resolve the issue.

“We have committed to Mr. Prystay to replace the six existing bag dispensers (between Marina Way Park and Okanagan Lake Park) with the single pull type that only dispenses one bag at a time, hoping that will discourage the unwanted behaviour,” said Haras.

“We also told Mr. Prystay that we will continue to monitor the situation and to please contact us directly if the problem persists.”

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Litter problem dogs resort

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