A petition from the Chemainus and District Baseball Association (CDBA) to stop the use of a ball field as a dog park in the winter months has reignited a long-standing conversation about the need for a permanent, year-round dog park in Chemainus.
The current seasonal arrangement for Field 3 has become a source of tension between dog owners and the baseball community.
The existing agreement, established in 2011 after more than 400 residents petitioned for a dog park, allows dogs to use Field 3 during the off-season, from Sept. 1 to March 15, while reserving it exclusively for baseball in the spring and summer. However, the CDBA says this shared use is no longer sustainable.
“The field is a valuable resource for youth sports, and we need year-round access to ensure it’s safe and properly maintained,” CDBA Vice President Victoria Mahon wrote in the petition to the Municipality of North Cowichan. She noted that the seasonal arrangement disrupts fall ball programs and limits field maintenance.
Benoît Marien, a Chemainus resident and longtime umpire whose children play baseball, agrees that increased field usage by the growing baseball community makes exclusive access to Field 3 a necessity. He also cited the field’s condition as a concern.
“The grass is patchy, the entrance is muddy, and the field doesn’t have time to recover,” Marien said.
Dog park users defend their space
Dog park users argue that Field 3 is underutilized by sports teams but serves as a vital community hub for dogs and their owners. Longtime user Pamela Cade described the daily activity at the park, which attracts groups of dogs and their owners throughout the day.
“There’s a group that comes around 7:30 or 8 a.m., and then there’s the little dogs at 10. There’s another group around 2 p.m., and another around 4:30 or 5. We’ve had as many as 17 dogs in the 10 o'clock group, so we need space,” Cade said.
Users also dispute claims that dog activity has damaged the field. Michele Yeoman, a leader in the 2011 petition for the shared-use agreement, insists dog owners act responsibly and that the field is well-maintained by the municipality.
“This field is grass,” Yeoman said. “While it gets a little torn up by March, it’s not bare, beaten-up dried grass because [the municipality] waters it all the time.”
Proposed relocation sparks concerns
The CDBA has suggested relocating the dog park to one of three locations: the old Chemainus Elementary School Field, Fuller Lake Arena, or Chemainus Lake Leash-Free Park. However, dog park users have raised concerns about accessibility and future development plans for these sites.
Chemainus Lake and Fuller Lake Arena, for example, require vehicle access for most residents, making them less viable options for seniors and those without transportation.
“A lot of people here don’t drive,” said Teresa Carter, a dog park user. “Moving the dog park out of town would mean half the users couldn’t access it anymore.”
The old elementary school site presents another challenge. North Cowichan has proposed a 58-unit affordable housing development for the property, with further design plans expected to be shared in spring 2025. Some dog park users worry this would lead to another eventual relocation, while others see an opportunity for integration.
"They're eventually going to put in housing, and there will be a park; they could put the dog park there," Yeoman suggested.
Community connection
For many dog park users, Field 3 is more than just an off-leash area — it’s a community space where connections are built. Cade emphasized the broader benefits of the space for both dogs and their owners.
“We’ve built a dog community here that helps each other,” she said. “It’s not just for the dogs; it’s for us too, our well-being.”
Dog parks play a crucial role in fostering healthy communities by providing spaces for physical activity, reducing stress and encouraging social interaction for both dogs and their humans. These benefits are particularly significant in Chemainus, where many residents are seniors.
“This isn’t just about dogs,” Carter said. “It’s about building a community where people feel connected and supported.”
Municipal efforts to find a solution
The Municipality of North Cowichan has acknowledged the importance of addressing the need for a dedicated dog park. The proposed 2025 budget includes $20,000 to explore relocation options, factoring in accessibility, infrastructure needs, and community input.
"A relocation of the dog park is subject to council approval through the municipal budgeting process,” said Neil Pukesh, the municipality’s director of parks and recreation. “Should this item be approved, a timeline with adequate public engagement would be developed.”
While the municipality is committed to finding a solution, there are no guarantees, leaving dog park users uncertain about future access to Field 3.
Balancing priorities
Local dog park users and the local baseball community agree on the value of shared spaces for creating connections and providing recreational opportunities. The challenge for the municipality lies in balancing these priorities to create a solution that strengthens the community rather than deepening divisions or sparking further tension.
“This isn’t about choosing one group over another,” Marien said. “It’s about finding a solution that works for everyone. I believe the municipality will find a solution. It’s time.”
