We moved to Erin Ridge this year and were surprised to see that most of Ted Hole Park is an unfenced off-leash area, even though it has several exits onto busy Erin Ridge Drive. It's a great idea to have an off-leash area there — but without a fence in at least part of it, it doesn't work.
Aside from the traffic, there's a playground and busy trails where dogs have to be on leash. We've also seen rabbits, coyotes and a moose run through. That means a lot of temptations to run off — even for well-trained dogs. As a result, some people let their dogs off-leash in the main field while others keep them on-leash. That mix of on- and off-leash dogs can lead to aggression and fights.
For safety, that main field should be fenced. If it were, there's a risk that Ted Hole could become a popular destination for dog owners from other neighbourhoods. But maybe the solution would be to add fences to more of St. Albert's off-leash areas.
Tim Sanders, St. Albert
