A new agreement gives Westerner Park the go-ahead to move the City of Red Deer’s newest off-leash dog park in about 20 years, should it need the space.
City council unanimously approved on Monday the City of Red Deer and Westerner Park agreement that will extend to May 31, 2059.
The 50-year agreement affects the current exhibition grounds of about 115 acres, plus another 115 acres east of Piper Creek where the old landfill is found. Although the city owns the land, Westerner Park is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance except for the Piper Creek natural area and off-leash dog park.
The old landfill site is where the city is developing Red Deer’s second off-leash dog park.
Westerner Park chief executive officer John Harms said the park could end up moving, but not for many years.
“That possibility is there as we continue to grow,” Harms said.
The land may be needed for overflow parking or other purposes, he said.
Recreation, Parks and Culture manager Greg Scott said the municipality has worked out a deal where it will run the dog park there for 20 years and after that the deal will be reviewed annually.
If there are changes during this time, Westerner Park must give two years before the dog park must move, Scott said.
Construction should be finished by next spring and summer on the Oxbows Off Leash Dog Park. The $400,000 project will have perimeter fencing, picnic areas, pet waste bag receptacles and rain shelters.
Red Deer’s other off-leash dog park is found at Three Mile Bend, just east of the civic yards within the Riverside industrial area.
Harms applauded the overall agreement with the city because it allows Westerner Park to expand over the next 20 to 40 years. Westerner Park can expand on the existing site of 115 acres and the adjoining landfill site of 115 acres.
“We’ve been working with the city for quite a while to get it all done,” Harms said.
The agreement will replace nine old agreements.
Other council decisions on Monday:
• Southpointe Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan is approved
• first reading concerning regulations for electronic “dynamic” signs is put off
• River Valley and Tributaries Park concept plan gets more money
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com