Saanich Council is allowing residents near a beach at the centre of a controversial motion to have community consultation regarding dog use on beaches.
Saanich Council passed a motion to delay a decision until mid-July, after the Cadboro Bay Residents Association (CBRA) sent a letter to Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes and council.
In the letter, the CBRA said it passed a motion during its Feb. 24 meeting, saying “the CBRA in the interest of harmony ask Saanich to defer a decision in relation to off-leash dogs on Cadboro Bay Beach to allow for a neighbourhood solution.”
Saanich councillors Monday night unanimously agreed to postpone discussion on the issue.
A Jan. 27 report by Councillor Karen Harper recommended council direct staff to review current bylaws regarding beach use and dogs, and to look at possible bylaw changes.
Council was to vote on that motion Feb. 24, so many residents spoke on the issue during public input, on both sides of the argument, that council didn’t have time to make a decision.
During the busy summer season from May to the end of August, dogs are only allowed on a small section of Cadboro Bay beach from the sewage outfall to the far end of the beach.
The rest of the beach, including the main beach all the way to the Oak Bay end, is off-limits to dogs after 9 a.m.
Harper’s report asks to consider consistency with bylaws of neighbouring communities.
CHEK News
