Local pooches will soon have a proper place to poop on Columbia Street.
With more and more dogs living in downtown condos, the city has decided to install a dog relief station at the southeast corner of Begbie and Columbia streets. The station will be installed as part of a one-year trial project.
The city’s plan is to create a small relief area in part of a space that’s currently home to a garden bed, with roses to remain and contribute to the esthetics of the corner. The relief area, which would have an artificial turf that’s specifically designed for this type of dog use, would have a fence around three sides.
A staff report notes that the relief station isn’t intended to be a place for people to exercise or socialize their dogs, but a place where the pooches can relieve themselves – instead of doing their business on sidewalks, streets, gardens or other public areas. Like the city’s off-leash areas, dog owners are expected to clean up after their dogs.
Mayor Jonathan Cote said dog waste has become a growing issue in downtown New Westminster. He noted that his daughters have stepped in dog poop on sidewalks on Columbia Street more than once.
“There is definitely a lot of hazards there,” he said. “For those not paying attention it can be quite dangerous.”
Jay Young, who oversees the city’s dog facilities, said the city will install bag dispenser as it does in its off-leash areas. He said artificial turf seems to be working well at dog relief stations in other jurisdictions.
Coun. Lorrie Williams, who owns dogs, said she has artificial turf in her backyard. “It works out very well.”
The city estimates it will cost $8,000 to build a dog relief station.
