Background
A dog park has been a longstanding community request in Clearwater. In 2025, the Rotary Club approached Council with a request to support the creation of a dog park. District staff prepared a report outlining potential locations, and Council selected Weyerhaeuser Pioneer Park as the preferred site.
Community Engagement
The District completed several steps to gather community feedback, including:
- Hand-delivered letters to 30 residents whose properties abut the park
- An on-site public meeting where proposed park features were ribboned out to show the planned footprint
- More than 70 residents attended the park meeting
- Media coverage through CFJC before the public survey closed
- A well-advertised public survey with 206 responses
- Survey results and engagement feedback were presented to Council
After reviewing the engagement results, Council passed a resolution confirming that the engagement process was complete and sufficient.
What We Heard
The engagement process showed community support for the dog park, while also identifying concerns from some residents. Approximately 28% of survey respondents were not in favour of the park.
The District understands that not everyone will agree with the outcome of a public process. Once engagement is complete, the District’s role is to review the feedback, adjust plans where possible, reduce impacts, and monitor the project moving forward.
Changes Made Based on Public Feedback
The original plans were modified in response to community input. Changes include:
- Reducing the footprint of both the dog park and bike park; leaving more park space undisturbed
- Keeping tree removal to a minimum
- Removing the proposed perimeter trail to reduce foot traffic near neighbouring backyards
- Plan any future lighting to the Murtle Crescent side of the park to reduce light impacts on residents
- Extending parking along the existing Murtle Crescent right-of-way so dog park users can park nearby; reducing adverse dog/people interactions
- Requiring dogs to remain on-leash until inside the fenced dog park
Project Funding
Funding for this project is expected to come from reserve funds donated by Trans Mountain for community amenities, including projects such as a dog park.
The Rotary Club has also committed to collecting donations toward the project. Residents who wish to donate can contact them directly: https://cwgrotary.ca/
Moving Forward
The District will continue working to reduce impacts on nearby residents while providing a safe, fenced space for dog owners and their pets. Concerns such as noise, parking, tree preservation, and park use will continue to be considered as the project moves forward.
Please direct and feedback or concerns to FEEDBACK@DOCBC.CA
