NEWS RELEASE

Dartmouth Commons and Fort Needham Open Off Leash Areas

(Thursday, November 8, 2007) - HRM officially opened the third and forth temporary off leash areas at the Dartmouth Commons and Fort Needham Park today.

New park signs have been installed to direct dog owners to the off leash areas. Doggie bag dispensers featuring biodegradable dog waste bags have also been provided at park entrances along with posted off leash area rules to ensure that HRM's off leash park areas are clean and safe for all park users.

On October 12th HRM opened a portion of Shubie Park as the first temporary off leash area, and on October 22nd Sandy Lake Park in Bedford designated an off leash area.

On June 26, 2007 Halifax Regional Council adopted the HRM Off Leash Parks Strategy. HRM is currently implementing the Strategy at several pilot off leash program sites in HRM parks. The off leash areas will serve as temporary test sites for off leash activities and will be closely monitored over the next 12 months to ensure the success of the program.

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For more information, please contact:

Peter Bigelow
Manager, Real Property Planning HRM
490-6047
476-4016

Kim Borgal
HRM Corporate Communications
Phone 490-1539
Email borgalk@halifax.ca