By Letter to the Editor on December 3, 2018.

It is with alarm that I read in the Medicine Hat News Nov. 20 that discussions are taking place to create off-leash dog areas in two of Medicine Hat’s very special natural areas, namely the part of Strathcona Island Park between the pavilion and Highway 41A, and Saratoga Park along Seven Persons Creek. The Saamis Archaeological Site, once a lovely natural riparian area, has been severely damaged by turning loose concentrations of dogs. Are we about to repeat the same mistake in other lovely riparian areas? The parks department is even talking about clearing some of the brush along Seven Persons Creek to facilitate access for dogs. This goes against any conventional idea of proper riparian habitat management. Riparian habitat is sensitive and is important for wildlife survival.

The consideration of these two proposed areas for off-leash use is bad for two reasons.

One, from the experience of the past few years we have learned that off-leash dog areas are incompatible with other park and trail users. Walkers, cyclists and joggers without dogs are unintentionally effectively banished from these off-leash areas because of unpleasant dog encounters.

Two, most citizens (possibly including the parks department) are probably not aware that these two sites being considered are nesting habitat for two uncommon bird species, the Yellow-Breasted Chat and the Lazuli Bunting. There are only three nesting sites for the Chat within Medicine Hat city limits. Strathcona Island Park is one of them and another is on the side of a cliff beside Saratoga Park. I suspect that Medicine Hat may be the only city in Canada where Chats nest within city limits. They are a declining species and have a very limited range in Canada.

Most people may not be aware that our city is a destination point for visiting birders who come here specifically to see Chats, Lazuli Buntings and a few other species found in Medicine Hat but not necessarily elsewhere in Alberta or even in Canada. Birding today is one of the most economically impactful recreation activities in North America. A new publication highlighting the birding trails of southeastern Alberta has recently been published and is being distributed in many parts of North America to attract more birders to our area.

I have to ask “Why do we have off-leash dog areas in our city parks, along hiking trails and in prime wildlife habitat?” Most cities create large fenced dog parks to turn dogs loose. Often there is one for small dogs and a separate one for large dogs. Amenities at these dog parks are often provided for dog owners.

I’ve seen dog parks become valuable social areas for owners while their dogs are frolicking.

I know I speak for many when I say let’s open up our parks and trails to all users and preserve some wildlife habitat as well.

Phil Horch

Medicine Hat