Dog lovers will have another place to let Fido and Fifi run free, thanks to TransLink allowing a big chunk of its property beneath the Golden Ears Bridge to go to the dogs.
Maple Ridge council Tuesday looked at a lease agreement that would allow the city to use the parcel, near Wharf Street in Hammond, as an off-leash area for five years, renewable for three terms, for $1.
The cost to the city will ring in at about $60,000 to put up wire farm fences, gates and parking around the property which is about 1.2 acres.
A staff report says the city had been looking for more spots for off-leash areas, particularly after Tolmie Park was ruled out following residents’ objections.
Staff started looking at other sites when a resident suggested that the property beneath the Golden Ears Bridge, be converted into an off-leash area. City staff made the proposal to TransLink, which agreed to the idea.
There currently are now four off-leash areas in Maple Ridge, in Jerry Sulina Park, along the Alouette River, Albion fairgrounds, Westview and Upper Maple Ridge Park.