Changes to Revelstoke dog off-leash areas are nearing completion.
At their Aug. 28 meeting, city council discussed amendments to Revelstoke's animal control bylaw that update old maps and tweak the existing off-leash area.
The planning committee has further reviewed the off-leash area, but haven't recommended any noteworthy changes since the Times Review last reported on the bylaw in June.
City councillors sought some clarification. "Is it clear that the off-leash area does not include the actual walkways — the blacktop?" asked Coun. Chris Johnston about the 'blackbelt' walkway near Downie Marsh. He also asked about signage costs.
"We're looking at something under $1,000," said city planning director John Guenther. He added that staff would try to reuse existing sign posts, and paint new signage on the blacktop.
Coun. Steve Bender asked for a summary of what has changed from the status quo.
"The Downie Marsh area in [the] maps is now an on-leash area. The rest of it's pretty well the same," said Guenther.
Dog owners will still be able to walk their dogs off-leash on the outside perimeter of the area, next to the Columbia River. However, the wet, marshy area closest to Downie Street Sawmills is now on-leash to help protect migratory bird species that use the area.