District of Barriere council have put plans to establish an off-leash dog park in one of the ball fields on hold for the time being due to the possibility of a large regional baseball tournament coming to the community in July.
The decision was made at last Mondays regular council meeting after Barriere Minor Ball rep Phil Ransome spoke to council in regards to a regional tournament coming to the community this year. Ransome said there was a good chance all of the ball fields will be required, but at this time there is no way to know for sure if the tourney will even be able to happen due to the pandemic.
“We’re hoping that by July the tournament will be able to go ahead,” said Ransome, “We just have to wait and see.”
Council agreed if Interior Health gave the go ahead, a large tournament would be a much needed boost for the community, so having the ball fields in top shape and ready to go should be a priority.
In regards to the off-leash dog park, the idea is still out there.
Council had originally directed staff at their Feb. 8, regular council meeting to research possible locations and related costs involved for establishing one in the community.
At the Mar. 8 council meeting, Barriere Parks & Roads Manager, Chris Matthews, reported staff have done their investigation and the most cost-effective and simple solution would be to convert Main Ball Park #2 into an off-leash dog park.
”A small section of new fence and two gates could be installed to utilize the existing entrances into the ball diamond, and in this way the facility could still be utilized as a ball diamond if required,” said the report, “A gravel path leading to the entrance from the Field House, a dog bag dispenser and signage would also be installed. Staff have estimated the total cost for conversion is $3,860 and would be funded through the Trans Mountain Pipeline (TMP) Community Benefit.”
As the four ball parks are very rarely all used at the same time, the idea of utilizing one park for an off leash dog area still has merit, but council have requested staff to investigate other options before a final decision is made.
Matthews also reported that staff are looking into the cost and viability of using the Barriere River as a source of water for park irrigation, noting,”The district has an adequate water license on the Barriere River, staff have considered using this source of non-potable water to irrigate Community, Fadear, Ball Park and Gray Place Parks. This would involve the installation of a pump system in Community Park and tie-in to the existing infrastructure on the east side of Airfield. The cost for the system is estimated at $40,000 and could also be funded through the TMP Community Benefit. An amendment for the point of diversion would first need to be applied for and approval from First Nations would also be required prior to extracting surface water from the river.”
After some discussion council requested that staff continue their investigation into utilizing the district’s surface water licences for irrigation purposes.
