Petition to the City of Toronto Parks and Recreation Department and Toronto City Council

Creation of Dog Parks in Wards 1 and 7 (Etobicoke North and Humber River-Black Creek)

To:
The Honorable Members of the Toronto City Council
The Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Toronto

We, the undersigned residents and concerned individuals of Toronto, are petitioning the City of Toronto to address the significant disparity in access to dog parks in the northwest areas of the city. Specifically, we are asking for the creation of dog parks in Wards 1 (Etobicoke North) and Ward 7 (Humber River-Black Creek), with a focus on the Keele Finch area.

Currently, Wards 1 and 7 are the only areas in Toronto that lack dog parks, despite every other ward having one or more dedicated spaces for residents and their dogs. This is not only an inconvenience for residents, but it also reflects chronic underfunding of the northwest part of the city. Furthermore, we believe this issue is exacerbated by systemic inequities, particularly against dog owners of color, who are disproportionately affected by the lack of accessible and well-maintained recreational spaces in these areas of the city.

In recognition of this ongoing gap in services, we urge the City of Toronto to take immediate action to rectify this disparity by committing to the development of new dog parks in Wards 1 and 7, with a a commitment to build a dog park in the Keele Finch area by 2027.

This petition is organized by the Finch Keele Community Association, representing the voices of concerned residents who are seeking equal access to recreational spaces for both humans and their pets. We request that the Parks and Recreation Department prioritize the construction of these dog parks as part of a broader effort to improve community spaces and address systemic inequalities.

By signing this petition, we ask Toronto City Council and the Parks and Recreation Department to take the necessary steps to:

1. Commit to building new dog parks in Wards 1 and 7, including one in the Keele Finch area by 2027.
2. Ensure equitable funding and development of recreational spaces in underfunded areas of the city.
3. Address the systemic barriers faced by dog owners of color in accessing safe and accessible parks.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt action and commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable city for all residents.

Sincerely,
Finch Keele Community Association
community@finchkeele.com
https://www.finchkeele.com