Thank you BCCA for submitting your proposal,
I have reviewed both requests in detail within this proposal. Painted pedestrian crossing lines in the condominium roundabout would increase pedestrian and pet safety. However, due to the roundabout being located at a private condominium, this request should be sent directly to the condominium board to ensure safety of residents and motorists of that building.
As for the second request, Noise is important. I have sent this request to install 'no excessive barking' and 'code of conduct' signs to Parks Forestry and Recreation for further review. Since this DOLA is on city property, staff will need to do further review before implementing.
Throughout the discussion about installing these signs, I will have updates posted and information distributed. Please register for our newsletter for the quickest and most up to date information across Ward 13.
Breadalbane Park off leash dog area improvements
From "Post your proposal here for the consideration of Councillor Moise"
Go to the project
The off leash dog park is surrounded by a circular driveway and there have been some close calls with cars/trucks and pedestrians accessing the park.
Breadalbane Park is located very close to 7 condo buildings and some residents hear barking at all hours.
1) Paint pedestrian crosswalk lines from the lowered sidewalk curbs at the entrances to the dog park. There should be two crosswalks: one on the northwest corner of the dog park, and another on the east side that leads to Dr. Lillian McGregor Park. It would give vehicles a visual warning that people and pets are crossing, maker for a safer pedestrian experience.
2) Install "no excessive barking" signs on the fence, midway on the east and fence fences of the park. The Code of Conduct sign posted at both the north and south entrances does mention "Be respectfu of the neighbours and deter your dog's barking", but it is rule #11 at the bottom of the sign and doesn't stand out.
Official updates
Last update: July 11, 2024
Posted on July 11, 2024
Comments(49)
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Profile of Tom Davis
Posted by:Tom Davis
1 year ago
And someone is now playing with his dog in such a way that he on purpose triggers his/he/him or hers/she/her continuous barking for multiple minutes already...
Profile of Tom Davis
Posted by:Tom Davis
1 year ago
Since 20 minutes ago, some dogs have been barking loudly continuously. Their walkers/owners don’t deter at all. I had to stop working.
For the health and well-being of the residents, it is definitely better to place off leash parks in areas far from the residential areas. If the dog owners like, the OLPs could be placed as near as possible where they live.
In the Breadalbane Park off leash dog area, there are way more tax-paying residents than the 100’s of dogs' walkers, some of them don’t pay any tax, not on what they earn by walking the dogs for the owners.
People don’t like this park because it’s damaging the health of the residents. If you can’t see that, then there’s a serious problem here.
Profile of Lisa F
Posted by:Lisa F
1 year ago
I believe a few people might be missing a key point—-first, they’re correct about the thousands of residents now living in the many surrounding new condos. Now imagine the many 100’s of dogs living here too. THIS is precisely the reason why this dog park was placed there, as part of the four acre park.
(Even condos that choose a bylaw to not allow dogs, must allow certified Service &/or Support animals….many of which were adopted during the pandemic.)
Our city is in the top 10 listed as having the largest number of dogs per capita. We all need viable solutions, for the health and well-being of the owners and their companions.
It may seem better to place off leash parks in areas far from residential ears, but it’s not logical, nor practical for safe use. It certainly goes against the idea of bringing communities together.
Bottom line: locked gates from 11pm-7am are essential. Large prominent signage for all important regulations is helpful so every can simply point to the signs and hold them accountable.
BTW…When any dog enters with a muzzle, or is in heat, or is aggressive with our dogs, the whole community there boots them out!
People like this park because it’s safe and friendly. If you can’t see that, then there’s a different problem here.
With respect,
L
Profile of Kristy B
Posted by:Kristy B
1 year ago
@Lisa F
Lisa, while I think locked gates would provide some relief, even when the gates were locked in the months leading up to the opening of the dog park, dozens of owners hopped over the fence and brought their dogs in. The park had been fenced in and enclosed the winter prior to opening, and the gates were locked. Even with signs posted at either end saying the park was not open for use yet, people were ignoring the signs and entering. I would love to be proven wrong, however I believe this would still happen with locks now. Also, we had brought this idea up to Mr Moise and the city and the gates cannot be locked as there is no one responsible for locking them or monitoring its occupancy.
As recently as a few days ago I saw a large shepherd, muzzled, in the dog park. I know what thr owner looks like, young female, and not one person kicked them out. So again, not everyone is as community and safety focused as yourself.
If more owners were as responsible as you, things would not have escalated to this extent.
I hope there is a way to make this work for as many people as possible while understanding that the health and well being of those who live near any dog park should also be considered.
Profile of Tom Davis
Posted by:Tom Davis
2 years ago
Hi all,
Unfortunately, I will be out of the country Sept. 19, hence unable to meet Mr. Moise myself. I am not sure if anyone could convey my message at the meeting? My message is as the following:
“The Breadalbane Off Leash Dog Park is just a driveway away from two high-rise buildings where there are 560 residential units at 909 and 925 Bay St., and faces directly to other 7 higher residential buildings.
The dogs bark loudly and excessively 24/7.
About 10k residents living in the buildings mentioned above, especially the Carried Women, Ill, Children and Old have been suffering from insomnia and mental issues, caused by the park. Hence the Breadalbane Off Leash Dog Park is functions as a serial killer, health wise.
Councillor Moise, could you please consider help to:
1. Lock both gates between 10pm and 8am;
2. Restore the park as an On Leash Dog Park;
3. Relocate it to Queen's Park Circle or the parkette at St. Basil's Church.
Thanks,
Best Regards,
A Resident”
Profile of Lisa F
Posted by:Lisa F
1 year ago
@Tom Davis I endorse the idea of having timed locks on the fence (and perhaps even at these more reasonable hours) -- after all garbage trucks aren't allowed between the hours of 11pm and 7am - but dogs can make noise for longer.
As one of the users of this park I can tell you 90% of us work hard together to keep our dogs from barking excessively. (They will always bark, to initiate play or to get attention, but some aren't trained to STOP when they should.) We as a collective TRY to tell those owners to control their dog when needed -- we're aware of the surrounding residents, and we try VERY hard to maintain decorum....
There's also a children's park next to us, which has kids playing and yelling, too. And we've also seen people with loud music playing while practicing boxing and other sport in that park, EARLY in the morning. The park is used a lot for youth from the Y, too.
Please don't lay all the blame of noise irritation on the dogs at the park.
That space (the entire 4 acre park area) was requested by a huge number of people from three zones...because it was desperately needed. yes, needed.
The other off leash dog parks are NOT safe.
This one is, and it actually has created an invaluable and friendly community hub for 100's of people and their dogs, to have a space to play and interact. Off leash areas are VITAL for the health and sanity of dogs because they NEED social interaction which is impossible when leashed.
Clearer, larger signage that is posted on the INSIDE of the park will help the rest of us be able to point out (and discuss) the park rules and guidelines. We want this too!
Thank you.
Profile of Tom Davis
Posted by:Tom Davis
1 year ago
@Lisa F The key issue is that the Breadalbane Off Leash Dog Park is just a driveway away from two high-rise buildings where there are 560 residential units at 909 and 925 Bay St., and faces directly to other 7 higher residential buildings. Over than 10k residents live in the buildings mentioned above.
The Carried Women, Ill, Children and Old live here/there have been suffering from insomnia and mental issues, caused by the OLDP.
The voices from the other parks / sources are not 24/7 daily. Hence for me, all the blame of noise irritation MUST BE laid on the dogs' park.
Profile of Kristy B
Posted by:Kristy B
1 year ago
@Lisa F
I live in one of the buildings overlooking the dog park and I can tell you that I very rarely hear kids playing at the play park just east of the dog park, and when I do, it's not at 2am or 3am waking me up.
However, the dog park has dogs barking almost every hour of the day and night. While you are using it, you may be doing your best to deter barking, but the majority of the time the barking goes undeterred and there are less owners than there are that actually step in and attempt to quiet a barking dog.
I can describe the worst offenders, both owners and dogs as they repeatedly enter the park and make no attempt to help the situation.
To use a city of Toronto off leash park the dog is to be registered with the city. I'd love a bylaw officer to visit the park and ensure every dog entering is licensed and hand out the fines if not. If, for no reason, other than to ensure that dogs using the park pay fees that help with thr maintenance and sign posting that so many of us have suggested.
Profile of Tom Davis
Posted by:Tom Davis
2 years ago
From: BCCA Information
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 3:56 PM
Subject: Ward 13 Town Hall
Councillor Chris Moise is hosting a Ward 13 Town Hall for Zone 1, which includes Bay Cloverhill on Thursday September 19th from 6 to 9 pm. The meeting will be held in the Rainbow Ballroom at The 519, 519 Church Street. This may be a good opportunity to raise the issues about the dog park.
Here is more information about the meeting and a registration link:
https://www.chrismoise.ca/townhall_zone1
Regards,
Christine Dingemans
Bay Cloverhill Community Association
info@baycloverhill.com
www.baycloverhill.com
Profile of Tom Davis
Posted by:Tom Davis
2 years ago
The dogs in the off leash dog park barked loudly around 2:30am or 3:30am and 5am earlier today, as it happened often before. Maybe it is needed to start thinking about researching into who are supposed to be held accountable for insomnia and mental issues of the residents, and the property value loss.
Profile of Larry Rubin
Posted by:Larry Rubin
2 years ago
@Tom Davis and who would you like to be held "accountable"? Has anyone thought to go and talk to these owners of these dogs barking? Rather suffer than solve the problem at the root?
Posted by:unknown author
2 years ago
@Tom Davis Hi Tom. Yes, it has been happening at late hours, and into the night. I am hopeful that some signs will be posted with bigger notice boards to inform the users of the hours of operations and maybe with some codes-of-conduct. You can also direct your concerns to our city councillor, who have already received such complaints.
Councillor Moise: Councillor_Moise@toronto.ca
Senior Advisor to Councillor Moise: Marzio.Silva7@toronto.ca
Hope this helps!
Posted by:unknown author
2 years ago
@Larry Rubin All of your comments are unhelpful (below and current). There are revolving/transient users, so the suggestion that long-term residents should take it upon themselves to go down to speak to folks at 2:30 am is absurd. What about safety? Get a grip!
Profile of Tom Davis
Posted by:Tom Davis
2 years ago
@William Tran Thank you William for the information.
Profile of Lisa F
Posted by:Lisa F
1 year ago
@Tom Davis I agree with this. It's completely unreasonable to have the park open and available at unreasonable hours.
They should (and could) install timed locks on the gates.
Profile of Tom Davis
Posted by:Tom Davis
2 years ago
My humble thoughts:
1. The number of the "no excessive barking" signs: Could there be as many as possible "no excessive barking" signs in the applicable way to ensure that they work effectively?
2. The font of the "no excessive barking" signs: Could the font of the "no excessive barking" signs be as big as possible in the applicable way to ensure that they work efficiently?
3. The open hours in the relevant websites should be changed from “Open 24 hours” into the current hours as described in the signs posted at both the north and south entrances.
4. The Code of Conduct posted does mention a fine for the violation, if I recall correctly. The City is supposed to provide the detail in terms of how to fine the violations.
Profile of Lisa F
Posted by:Lisa F
1 year ago
@Tom Davis I agree. These are all very reasonable requests. Most of us who use the park want this too!
Profile of Larry Rubin
Posted by:Larry Rubin
2 years ago
A new water fountain would be greatly appreciated. So the dogs can drink some water while playing. Extend the park out towards the east, take the road out. Too many people driving too fast endangering dogs and people. Most cars parking on this street are condo residents visitors. With more room for dogs to roam, there will be less "Barking" because the dogs would have more space between them. Other than that, the park is great, Great lighting, great surface, a great bunch of dogs and owners are great too. Lots of room for dogs to run, chill and hang out with other dogs. One of the best in the city.
Profile of Naomi Cherow
Posted by:Naomi Cherow
2 years ago
As the City has already tried to change the hours to then have "residents" riping off the newly posted hours, I am uncertain that adding signs will truly make a difference. Unfortunately, many people don't respect signs. Honour systems and respect for your fellow resident, I believe, will not work here. @Bay Cloverhill Community Association , I would truly urge you all to consider escalating suggestions, to possible reducing the footprint of the park or, relocating it to Queen's Park Circle or the parkette at St. Basil's Church.
Profile of Larry Rubin
Posted by:Larry Rubin
2 years ago
There is no electronic locking devices on any of these doors and chances are will never happen. Perhaps closing the east side drive aisle and expanding the dog park would be a great idea. Changing the hours is a silly idea, people take their dogs out before they go to work. Most dog parks are from 5:30 am to 12 pm, so that won't change. It's dog park standard. Perhaps of assigning "Dog Park Stewards" to educate the "newcomers, students, first time dog owners" will help. Sounds like a lot of nimbyism going on here. I see a lot of dogs there after 5 pm, mostly little condo dogs, having a great old time. There are a few irresponsible owners, and there always will be, Perhaps, making up some flyers with Dog park rules, you people can go and hand them out to the people and explain to people the problems you are enduring. Don't forget these are taxpayers too. Also a dog drinking fountain should be added to the park, so the fur-babies can have a little drink while they are running around with their friends. Dog Parks build communities, get people outside, make new friendships. Be thankful you don't have the addicts like church and wellesley have, screaming and yelling all night long. Have a great day!
Profile of Naomi Cherow
Posted by:Naomi Cherow
2 years ago
@Larry Rubin 1- extending the dog park won’t help anyone except invite more large dogs. This defeats the issue.
2- you are obviously not living near the dog park. Those residents who live close by are fed up with the incessant barking at all hours. This is not the area for a dog park, especially in a concrete jungle that tends to intensifies loud noises.
3- singling out 1 group is highly disturbing and discriminatory.
4- the park has been without any “addicts” or homeless since its opening. That was the neighborhood’s biggest concern.
Profile of Kristy B
Posted by:Kristy B
2 years ago
@Larry Rubin ramsden off leash dog park has hours 7am to 11pm, and that is in a much less densely populated area. I see the exact opposite to your nimby comment here, there are suggestions from many trying to find ways for this park to work.
I agree with Naomi, singling out one demographic is racist.
Posted by:unknown author
2 years ago
@Kristy Barca absolutely right!
Posted by:unknown author
2 years ago
@Naomi Cherow thank you! Agree!
Profile of Jonathan Suders
Posted by:Jonathan Suders
2 years ago
@Larry Rubin Your comments above are inappropriate and thoughtless. Firstly, there is no such evidence that Chinese/Mandarin speaking residents are the only users, that are bringing in noisy pets, and your assumption that this group is responsible for this problem is irresponsible.
Secondly, there was no public forum regarding the commissioning of this dog park (i.e. Breadalbane park). I was forwarded correspondence regarding the initial proposal and this park was commissioned by the builders after a discussion regarding the Dr. Lillian McGregor park. Thus, the residents that face this park (also taxpayers) had no opportunity to provide a rebuttal to the proposal brought forward. Additionally, dog parks, inasmuch as other types of parks (flower gardens, children's play grounds) ALSO build communities, with less disruption to the residents that have to endure this noise. I assure you that if you had a noisy neighbour playing music all day long, your tune would change.
Lastly, in line with the other comments, there are other dog parks in the city with shorter hours and so there is a precedent to alter the hours of operation. It is possible.
Your lack of insight is astonishing.
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