WINNIPEG DOG OWNERS GROWL OVER PLANS TO BUILD ROAD THROUGH NORTH KILDONAN PARK

Some North Kildonan residents are urging the City of Winnipeg to halt construction plans at Kilcona Park, saying the proposed changes will disrupt the off-leash area regularly used by dog owners.

The city’s revitalization project includes building a new paved parkway north of the dog park and enclosing the off-leash area with a fence. However, a growing number of park users are concerned the upgrades will limit space for dogs to roam and restrict access to nearby natural areas, including a lake just north of the current dog park.

An online petition opposing the project has gathered over 500 signatures as of Thursday evening. It calls on the city to reconsider the road construction and explore alternative ways to enhance the park without compromising its open green space.

“It’s kind of in a pristine state,” said Tom Moody, a longtime North Kildonan resident who visits the park daily with his dog, Scout. “It’s an integral part of my life. Everyone I’ve talked to thinks this road plan is heavy-handed and intrusive. And who knows how long the construction will even last?”

The City of Winnipeg has stated that construction is scheduled to begin next year and continue through 2027.

Renee Gould, one of the organizers behind the petition, said fencing off parts of the park will create overcrowding and reduce the off-leash area’s functionality. “The dogs do better when they’re constantly moving and passing each other,” she said. “In smaller areas, they tend to get agitated.”

The city’s plans for Kilcona Park date back to a 2014 report that followed community consultation. In addition to the road and fencing, the dog park is expected to see new access points, added amenities, and improved grading to make the area more accessible for people with mobility challenges.

“On rainy days, some parts of the park are just mud,” said North Kildonan Councillor Jeff Browaty. “We’re addressing those issues and adding features like shade canopies and covered areas.”

Browaty also emphasized that the project aims to better use underutilized areas of the park. “The new road will allow people to drive right up to a scenic lake for a Sunday picnic with family and friends,” he said.

Approximately $5 million in capital funding has been allocated for the first phase of the revitalization, which includes tearing down derelict buildings at the Harbourview Park site on the corner of Springfield Road and Cox Boulevard. Future phases will include additional upgrades, such as new docks, picnic shelters, and a year-round pavilion.

While residents like Moody support improvements to the Harbourview area, they remain firmly opposed to any construction that would cut through the dog park.

“We all support fixing up Harbourview,” he said. “Just don’t build a road through our park.”