A city councillor is proposing dogs run free in all city parks, much to the delight of dog owners and the chagrin of families with young children.

Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong, a dog owner himself, has asked the parks and environment committee to study introducing off-leash hours at all parks.

Currently, dog owners can let their pets run free at 54 designated off-leash parks. Minnan-Wong suggests letting dogs run free at all parks — the city has more than 1,400 — between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.

“The current arrangement isn’t working,” he said Wednesday. “There aren’t enough off-leash areas.”

Minnan-Wong said if dog owners don’t live close to an off-leash park, they must struggle with the hassle of transporting their pets.

“It’ll be better for the dogs, for the owners, for everybody,” said Minnan-Wong, who’s heard complaints from many of his constituents.

“The number one users of parks are the dogs,” he said, adding it would be safe to have dogs off-leash during those off-peak hours.

“If kids are in the park after 9 p.m., they probably shouldn’t be there anyways,” said Minnan-Wong.

Prisca Ng, 27, owner of a border collie mix who lives near Little Norway Park at Bathurst St. and Queens Quay W., thinks it’s a great idea.

“We could go anywhere and not have to look for a specific park,” said Ng, noting Little Norway Park is on-leash.

She said there’s an off-leash park near her apartment, but when she stays at her friend’s home, she can’t get to one easily.

“Instead we just have to walk him along the sidewalk and it’s better for him to run free for exercise,” said Ng.

Brian Mainland, 28, agrees with Ng, explaining it’s important for bigger dogs to get proper exercise.

Mainland, who lives near Harbour Square Park at Bay St. and Queens Quay W., owns a small Dachshund and said he wouldn’t let him off his leash even if the rules changed.

“He gets really nervous and may bite another dog,” said Mainland.

Carole Therriault, 44, who has a 6-year-old son, said she’s concerned loose dogs may not only attack each other, but children as well.

“It’s a horrible idea,” said Therriault, who lives near Little Norway Park and isn’t a dog owner.

“You got kids that love to run around the parks,” she said. “Who knows what would happen if a dog was loose.”

Therriault said she’s worried “a child may get chased and bit” by a dog if the proposal goes through.

Therriault added if dogs run free, owners may not spot them “doing their business” and families would then stumble upon the mess.

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As for considering the hours before 9 a.m. off-peak, Therriault said she personally loves to go to the park with her son bright and early, “when the sun’s shining and all is quiet,” and she sees other families there, too.

“I don’t think it’s safe,” said Therriault.

Minnan-Wong’s proposal will be discussed at the next parks committee meeting Nov. 9. A report on the feasibility of the proposal is expected by June 24, 2013.

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