Who let the dogs out?
Surrey council did 鈥� or rather, they voted Monday (June 23) to endorse a pilot project that will allow on-leash dogs on Crescent Beach's walking path, on weekdays only, from July 2 through Sept. 15 this year.
Currently, dogs are only allowed on Crescent Beach's path if they are on a leash from Sept. 16 of this year to May 14 of 2026; dogs are currently not allowed on the path between May 15 and Sept. 15, a city corporate report noted.
"Over the years, the city has received several requests seeking permission for dogs on Crescent Beach Path during the summer months," the report said.
It mentioned a pilot that took place from May to July 2022 that permitted on-leash dogs on the beach's walkway before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
"At the conclusion of the pilot project, based on observations and park visitor comments, (the city's parks, recreation and culture department) supported maintaining existing regulations for dog access on Crescent Beach Path."
But "significant public interest in walking dogs on-leash" at Crescent Beach remains, the report continued, noting that council directed staff to explore a new pilot project to allow access for dogs on Crescent Beach Path at its June 9 meeting.
At that meeting, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke about the issue.
"I know that many residents have asked whether leashed dogs can return to Crescent Beach front path," Locke said. "I believe we can do both 鈥� I believe we can meet both those calls, the environmental care and the shared public access by allowing dogs during quieter times."
She also directed staff to consult with local residents and outline any needed signage, enforcement and habitat safeguards.
"Let's test a balanced approach that respects nature, public safety and responsible pet ownership," Locke said.
The pilot removes the time of day restrictions, but only permits on-leash canines on weekdays, excluding statutory holidays (i.e. Tuesday, July 1 and Monday, Aug. 4) from July 2 to Sept. 15 of this year.
Signage about the pilot "will include information to allow the public and community stakeholders to provide their feedback on the pilot project throughout the duration of the summer," with staff set to "monitor the use of the path and record information on usage during the pilot project."
Funding for the pilot is available within the approved 2025 parks dvision operating budget, the report said.
鈥� with files from Tom Zytaruk
