NEWS RELEASE

Hemlock Ravine Park Off Leash Area to Open on Saturday

(Thursday, November 15, 2007) - HRM will officially open its fifth temporary off leash area at Hemlock Ravine Park on Saturday, November 17.

The off leash area is located on the Governors Loop trail in the park. New park signs have been installed to direct dog owners to the off leash area. 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 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.

The Hemlock Ravine Park opening will be the last of five pilot off leash park areas opened this Fall. The other off leash areas that have opened are located in Sandy Lake Park, the Dartmouth Common, Fort Needham Memorial Park and Shubie Park.

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John Charles
Halifax Regional Municipality
490-5771