More than 100 residents of Whistler’s Bayshores neighbourhood have signed a petition asking the Whistler council to take immediate action to improve safety and cleanliness in Bayshores Park, the Millars Pond Park. The petition, submitted by resident Paul Charman on behalf of families in the area, outlines three key demands: install a fence around the children’s play area, increase the number of garbage bins in the neighbourhood, and enforce leash laws.
Call for a Secure, Fenced Play Area
Parents in Bayshores are urging the municipality to install a fence around the park’s children’s area following a series of dog-related incidents. “Recently, my young son was attacked by an off-leash dog while playing at Bayshores Park, while earlier this week, a one-year-old child was knocked over by another out-of-control dog. Sadly, these are not isolated incidents—Whistler Bylaw confirms they regularly receive reports about off-leash dog issues,” Chapman writes in the petition. Residents report seeing dogs inside the play area, with some climbing on picnic tables and urinating near playground equipment.
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“Children’s parks should be safe spaces where kids can play without fear of dog attacks or exposure to unsanitary conditions,” the petition states. “However, with no physical barriers, these spaces remain vulnerable to safety risks.”
More Garbage Bins
There is only one public garbage bin in the Bayshores subdivision, located next to the playground. The petition says the lack of bins encourages dog owners to pass through the play area to dispose of waste, increasing contact between children and dogs. Residents are calling for more garbage bins along the Valley Trail to promote responsible waste disposal and reduce unnecessary dog presence around the play area.
The petition states: “To help reduce unnecessary dog traffic through the playground, we ask the Council to install additional garbage bins along the Valley Trail in Bayshores. This simple change would encourage responsible waste disposal while limiting interactions between children and dogs in Bayshores Park.”
Enhanced Bylaw Enforcement
Despite existing leash laws, residents say enforcement remains inconsistent. On a recent weekend walk, one resident counted 18 dogs in the park—14 dogs were off-leash. The petition calls for increased resources for bylaw services, including signage and regular patrols to promote leash compliance.
Parents have also voiced concerns on local social media platforms, citing unsanitary conditions and unsafe interactions between children and dogs. One parent wrote, “It is incredibly disheartening to see the state of this park… there is dog poop everywhere in the neighbourhood.”
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