Nova Scotia

Africville off-leash users asked for input on new park

Dog owners who are about to lose an off-leash area in Africville Park will get their first chance to give input on what should replace it.

Public meeting to be held July 23 at Halifax Forum

Dexter and Finnegan, two wheaten terriers, enjoy the sun at the Africville Park off-leash area Friday. A public meeting to discuss where an alternative park should go will be held July 23. (CBC)

Dog owners who are about to lose an off-leash area in Africville Park will get their first chance later this month to give input on what should replace it.

A public meeting is scheduled for July 23 at the Halifax Forum complex.

Halifax regional council voted on June 24 to close the off-leash area of the historic park, but not until a new off-leash area is established nearby. A promise to hold public consultations was part of the decision.

The decommissioning was requested by the Africville Heritage Trust, which hoped to have the dogs out in time for the community's annual reunion the last week of July.

Councillors have asked that the new park be in place by the end of the year.

Council has identified land to the right of the parking lot at Africville Park, near the MacKay Bridge, as a possible alternative site.

The July 23 meeting will be held in the Maritime Hall building of the forum complex from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The city is also taking feedback via email. All email should be sent to Holly Richardson at richarh@halifax.ca.