Increased dog access tried out in Lake Country parks

Pilot projects are providing more dog-friendly access at a pair of regional parks in the District of Lake Country.

One of the projects allows dogs to be off-leash in Kopje Regional Park, while the other allows dogs on-leash on trails within Kaloya Regional Park. Dogs are not allowed on the beach area of either park.

Until this trial, neither of the two regional parks has allowed dogs within park boundaries. The pilot projects provide more dog-friendly access options and run during the slower off-season months from October through March next year.

To prepare for the trials, RDCO Parks Services staff have increased signage for visitors and provided dog-bag dispensers and waste containers for dog owners to place bagged dog waste.

All dogs in the Central Okanagan must be licensed, and responsible dog owners ensure they always have control of their dog, even if by voice command when in a designated off-leash area. Any issues about dog behavior should be reported to RDCO Dog Control – 250-469-6284.

The pilot projects are in response to a request earlier this year from the District of Lake Country Council to allow on-leash dogs within Kaloya Regional Park and dogs off-leash in Kopje Regional Park between October 1 and March 31.

Visitors are reminded that neither parking lot is maintained from November 1 to the end of March and the entrance gate at Kopje Regional Park is closed during that period. Visitors are asked to ensure they park along the shoulder and off the travelled portion of Carrs Landing Road. Please do not block or park in front of the main gates due to access still being required.