WESTLOCK — Westlock County’s new responsible animal ownership bylaw was the subject of much scrutiny leading up to and during the municipality’s two open houses last week.
There was a fairly high turnout at both of the open houses, which were hosted at the Pembina Heights Community Hall on June 18 and the Pickardville Hall on June 20.
At both events, residents were free to visit various booths detailing county services, as well as a couple of tables set up by Citizens on Patrol (COP), Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the Westlock Library.
However, many people came with questions about the responsible animal ownership bylaw, which received first reading at the June 11 council meeting.
One of the more notable parts of the bylaw is a limit of two dogs for every resident of a hamlet, summer village or residential subdivision within the county.
Certain exceptions apply, such as if a person owns multiple puppies under the age of four months or if the dogs are owned by a not-for-profit organization.
The bylaw also requires every person who resides within a hamlet, summer village or residential subdivision to apply for a licence within 15 days of becoming the owner of a dog or taking up residence in the county.
County Reeve Christine Wiese said there had been a lot of talk about the bylaw on Facebook prior to the open houses, with at least some people expressing concern that the county was going to take their dogs away.
However, the purpose of the bylaw was really more about addressing problematic dog-owners, with Wiese noting that the majority of county residents are responsible about their pets.
She also noted that every councillor had also received at least some feedback about the bylaw.
“We have heard there’s not enough about cats,” she said.
Of course, that’s why the bylaw only received first reading, Wiese noted, as council may make changes at a future meeting prior to passing second and third reading.
Present at both open houses were representatives of RC Strategies, a consulting firm that is facilitating the development of the county’s Recreation Needs Assessment and Facility Master Plan.
This plan is intended to be a 10-year roadmap that will guide the delivery of recreation services within the county over the next decade.
However, developing such a plan requires feedback, which is RC Strategies was at the two open houses.
A new household survey has also been launched for county residents to fill out. The survey can be found under the Explore tab on the county’s website, but paper copies of the survey can also be requested at the county office.
Wiese noted they need residents to fill out that survey so they can help shape the new recreation plan.
