Dog poop problem at Nose Hill Park has city pondering more bylaw patrols

The City of Calgary is trying to come up with ways to address complaints about people leaving dog waste at Nose Hill Park.

Jessie Veronelly, who walks her dogs at the expansive park in the city's northwest once a week, agrees that something needs to be done about it.

"I do see, especially in the winter, you do get a lot of dog poop that doesn't get picked up," she said. "Granted, it's far from the trail, and in these pockets, but it's still really sad to see that."

She says the off-leash signs also need to be made more clear.

"I talked to a bylaw officer last year and he was super great. And I had a completely wrong idea of the boundaries. And I tried to follow the boundaries and I was still off. So I thinkbetter signage[is needed]," she said.

"I think there probably could be a little bit more bylaw enforcement," added Veronelly'sfriend Jocelyn Walker, who also walks in the park with her baby and her dog.

"Nobody loves to get a ticket, but you only get one once, and then you pick up after your dog."

Off-leash fencing

Coun.Sean Chu told council Monday he has been hearing a lot of complaints about aggressive dogs and poop not getting picked up.

"They can't believe how many dogs poopin the area and how many unruly dogs and they're ruining the whole experience for the area,"said the Ward 4 representative.

Chu says it may be time to consider fencing for the off-leash area.

City parks and bylaw officials are meeting this week and will consider options such as improving signs and beefing up bylaw patrols.

"We will also be stepping up our proactive patrols of Nose Hill Park now that the weather is warm," said Katie Black, a manager with the City of Calgary's community services. "And also pursuing our education in terms of responsible pet ownership."

Robyn McBroom, also a frequent visitor to the park, isn't sure more patrols are necessary.

"I don't know if I've seen enough of an issue to put our tax dollars into it," she said.

Others park users said they like the idea of fencing in the off-leash areas, while many suggested more trash receptacleswould also help.