Delta city council on Monday approved a staff recommendation to construct a new off-leash compound at Mackie Park.
The $300,000 project will be constructed just north of the parking lot at Gray Elementary and east of the gravel playing field.
A report to council notes an assessment of the trees in the general area of the proposed project identified 38 as being in poor condition or dying. Of these, 15 trees were identified as poor candidates for retention. As a result, the removal of some trees that are in decline is necessary regardless of the dog off-leash enclosure, the report notes.
The report adds the plan for the enclosed dog off-leash area calls for new tree planting to enhance the area with more suitable trees.
During council’s discussion about the tree removal, Mayor George Harvie noted the trees to be removed are dead, adding the need to increase public activity in the area to increase safety.
“Unfortunately, we had a tragic murder a number of years ago and it was in this area. Putting activity in there is what the police want to see insofar that people aren’t isolated on these pathways that are always getting overgrown,” he said.
In September 2010, Laura Szendrei, 15, died from injuries sustained after a brazen daytime attack on the pathway in Mackie Park.
The staff report notes that should the enclosed off-leash area be successful, the forested area would allow for a future expansion.
Construction will be done this summer.
