Innisfil to relocate dog-friendly beach park

After Innisfil town council voted to move the town's dog park in land and away from water, residents spoke up about the decision.

After Innisfil Town Council voted to move the town’s dog park inland and away from the water, residents spoke up about the decision.

Innisfil resident Melissa McEwen and her American bulldog Wilbur started a petition to keep a dog-friendly beach park in town, as dogs like Wilbur rely on the water to stay cool.

“Having access to the lake is very vital for his health and one of the big reasons why we’re at the beach every day,” said McEwen. “He wouldn’t be able to come outside without the water, so it’s definitely big for medical reasons for dogs like him.”

The current dog-friendly beach is located on Roberts Road and has no parking directly nearby.

Residents who wish to use the dog park must park in resident-only parking at the Innisfil waterfront and walk to the park.

The petition ultimately reached 300 signatures, and town officials located an unused space near the Innisfil Boat Launch to give dog owners continued access to the beach where their pets can cool off.

“It’s being relocated to another part of the beach, which actually is a win-win for us,” said McEwen. “The local residents who were upset with the noise will no longer hear dogs or any noise, and now there’s actually parking close by.”

Town officials say the location was selected after a noise study was conducted around the current dog-friendly beach. They believe the new site is ideal for both residents and the town.

“In analyzing our entire waterfront, this was kind of that perfect balance away from residential areas but still offering the same kind of waterfront style people are used to,” said Chris Trevisan, Operations Manager of Parks and Community Services.

Trevisan added that the waterfront will be busy with construction as the town continues to expand, but making space for dogs is a welcome addition.

“This plan has been in the works for several weeks. It came together a bit differently, with residents coming to the forefront of the issue,” said Trevisan. “Ultimately, I’m glad it turned out that way. They were able to show their passion for the space and help accelerate the process.”

Council unanimously approved the new location, and the town says construction of the dog-friendly beach park will begin immediately.

The town will move the buoys closer to shore and install fencing, a process expected to take up to six weeks.

The new location will also benefit those coming from out of town.

“There are a lot of people who come from out of town, and being closer to the parking lot helps. A lot of people don’t even know this current beach,” said McEwen. “So it’s really good that it’s going to be closer to the parking lot. There will definitely be more people using the new beach.”

While the new dog park is under development, the current dog-friendly beach at Beach Six will remain open, so Wilbur and his furry friends can keep paddling and playing until the new park is ready.