To those who are disgusted by dogs; if I can tolerate your kids, you need to be able to tolerate my dog. It's much better behaved!

We most certainly need this. As it now stands I have virtually no way of accessing the existing dog parks unless I'm able to get a ride with a friend. I live downtown but don't drive (partly because I live downtown) but I do pay for a dog licence every year. I'd love my dog to be able to swim in the lake, for instance, but right now it's not possible. There's nowhere at all to walk my dog off leash downtown. I wish the City of Barrie would grow up and out of it's "hick town" mentality :(

Keep the lake dog free please!

Instead of the City spending $50,000 for geese deterrent why not spend that money for a designated waterfront dog area? The increased canine activity will surely help with that problem. As for the poop, yes there are irresponsible, lazy dog owners who don't stoop and scoop but would you rather avian feces or canine feces? A simple solution would be to place a designated poop bin with bags available similar to the existing dog play areas.

No thank you. Some people may stoop and scoop but then many just toss the bags all over the place, isn't that despicable? Police yourselves, show responsibility then let's talk further.

And who's going to clean all the dog feces from Lake Simcoe?

I'm a dog lover myself, but just stepped in some last week while getting my mail. If Barrie dog owners cant even pick up dog poo around their own community mail box, how diligent are they going to be on the lake?

...anyone want to go swimming this summer?

This is a good idea and much needed but Gables Park would be a much better location. It is very large and has a beach as well for water play by the dogs. A splash pad could easily be accommodated there. There is an large and growing population in the South and Southeast parts of Barrie with many dogs. The local community parks are often small and highly used by kids so it would be great to have a place for dogs that is large enough for families as well. Gables park has a beach is very underused, It is basically just additional almost private greenspace due to a lack of clear access, poor signage and limited parking that is mostly just used for overflow at the adjacent seniors community. Also, with better access, the seniors across the road could also enjoy it. This also better fits the conditions of the sale of this property to the City of Barrie from the RVH nurses association than the current status.

What does our dog license revenue actually pay for? I think an off-leash dog park with a "splash" facility ( I don‘t want to swim with my pet either!) would be money well spent. I agree it would be a win-win for all.

I think this would be great. Dog owners would have a place to legally take their dogs swimming and non-dog owners wouldn't be bothered by dogs, as it would likely be fenced in. A win-win for all.

Great idea, if the majority of dog owners were responsible enough.
Unfortunately that's not the world we live in and the people that are not screw it up for the people that are.
But on the other hand it can't be any worse or any more of a health issue than all the bird crap along the lake shore in any case. XD

They say people live longer and are happier if they own a dog. Nothing better then a day at the beach with your best friend

Disgusting. I don't want dogs near my beach, walk ways or the water.

I agree, and a small splash pad would be wonderful. We saw a dog park with a splash pad in NYC near The Intrepid and it was awesome. There are also little dog parks all over the place in NYC, why can't we have more in Barrie?

Saw a dog swimming at Wilkins Beach today then the owner tied it to a tree a few feet from the no dogs allowed sign.Also saw 3 off leash dogs.This is a regular occurance here.Where are the good dog owners?

How about a doggie splash pad??? I love my dogs but I don't want to swim with them... not the best idea... But I do agree with having a place for them to have fun with thier K-9 counterparts and stay cool.

As a Non-Dog owner I would support this wholeheartedly. I agree that dogs should have access to the lake and providing a dog friendly zone would avoid the growing problem of pet owners ignoring the bylaw and taking their dogs into the parks. It's becoming a nuisance in my opinion; enforcement needs to be increased and bigger signs / more signs are needed (especially at Minet's Point). Law abiding dog owners should be rewarded with a dog friendly area, they deserve it!

This would be great, nothing better then being able to go for a swim with your dog. There are many dog lovers in Barrie and increasing the public water front to include dogs is just a good idea for good people and there dogs

This would be great, if dog owners were responsible and picked up after their pets. Lake Simcoe is heavily affected by phosphorus loading and pet waste only adds to the negative health the Lake if facing.

I agree and feel it should be along the North Shore trail. It would be easier to have an access point that is dedicated as a dog park here as it wouldn't conflict with other uses. We had such a hot summer last year and it was so difficult for me to cool my pet, and it looks as if the hotter weather is something we'll all have to get used to - people and pets like.

I totally agree with this. There are times when people travel with their pets and want to enjoy a waterside picnic and end up leaving their pet in a hot car. Plus it would be nice to walk with your pets and let them cool off on a summers day.