Once upon a time all was beautiful, the birds, the bees, the parks, the doggie bags full of poop on the paths, nice people and fresh air. But wait, something’s wrong with this fairytale beginning? Doggie bags on the trails?
I have to compliment the Gazette for the article titled “City off leash bylaw a good start,” July 11, page 8. There was also a photo of a city trail sign reading, “Trails are On Leash Areas.”
The sign reminded me of the one we put up at Riverlot 56 just outside the east city boundaries in Sturgeon County, next to Kingswood. It’s a natural area well used by St. Albertans. Our trail sign lasted two days. Someone destroyed it by splitting apart the 4 x 4 post where it was mounted. It was hard work. It was secured with numerous bolts. The post remains in splinters. It is testament to our efforts to proclaim Riverlot 56 as an on-leash area like trails in the city. Parents, walking children there wanted it that way with no wildly excited, charging dogs. We still want it that way.
Once upon a time in the not-so-distant past, Riverlot 56 signs used to state ‘no dogs allowed.’ After all, Riverlot is a government-owned natural area. We, the small group of do-good, volunteer stewards had strived for over 20 years to do what was deemed best. This included keeping the area accessible, clearing trails of fallen trees, removing invasive weeds, and yes, asking people to not walk their dogs there. We wanted to help protect wildlife native to the area (moose, deer, birds and lots more). It has not been easy. It’s something we did because we highly value this legacy, as do many others.
But, reality is not a fairytale. These are the times we live in. As Albertans, we are part of the most modern of the advanced civilizations. Or, are we?
Last year, we felt forced to change the rules and to mirror new rules in St. Albert. Dogs on leash are allowed now. Someone who, we guess, doesn’t want any dogs in Riverlot 56 vandalized our sign, a reality that over 20 years we learned was impossible to attain. Nice people don’t necessarily follow rules, especially without enforcement. Stewards have no clout. We ask for common sense and good citizenship. We don’t always get it, either from dog owners or dog opponents. We couldn’t stop dog walkers to shield wildlife. Now we accept them, our neighbours, but with leashes to constrain their pets.
In the fairytale opening of my letter, there should not have been doggie bags full of dog poop on the path. I read with interest in the Ferguson article that others agree. But, the article quote was, “There aren’t enough garbage cans in the whole Riverlot 56 area, the upper and the lower. In fact there’s a real shortage (there are none) and people leave bags with waste, so it doesn’t look very attractive.” Thank you, Lisa, for pointing out this disgusting dog-owner habit. Until recently, I have been carting those gift packages away, smelly yes, windows open, in my car.
As a volunteer steward, I wonder, is this my role? This year, on about five occasions I have collected garbage from the Poundmaker Road parking lot. I’ve even, believe it or not, removed human waste. It was a public health hazard. Now, am I being asked to set up and service numerous garbage containers so that dog owners don’t have to take home their used plastic bags? It’s time to draw a line in the sand. No thanks!
But, why be negative? Maybe there is a solution or even two. The City of St. Albert has been a huge supporter of our efforts to date. So, let’s be positive. On behalf of the society. I have a simple request as one possibility. Please set up one city garbage container in the entrance area to Riverlot 56 in the parking lot off Poundmaker Road to be serviced regularly by City of St. Albert Public Works as per the garbage pails in neighbouring Kingswood Park. If this is impossible, there is another obvious solution. Dog owners, please, be mature, be responsible and take care of your dog’s business.
To the Gazette article contributors of July 11, Lisa and Michelle and Robin (what an appropriate name) and others, thanks for thinking outside the box or should I say, inside the baggie.
Dan Stoker, vice-president, Riverlot 56 Natural Area Society, St. Albert
