Residents of Westmount are trying to force the municipality to ban off-leash hours all year long! Sign the petition to stop it.

Jindo Club was born out of a fundamental belief that dogs (and pets in general) are a social good— something that provides far more benefits to society than it costs. When we perceive threats to this view and the ability to exercise it, we feel it is our responsibility to at the very least share information related to the supposed challenges.

About the Summit Woods

In Montreal, one of the most treasured benefits of dog ownership is the ability to bring our furry companions for a morning or afternoon stroll in the Summit Woods—a natural habitat in Westmount near Mount Royal where dogs, during certain times of the year and hours of the day, can roam free (off-leash).

We know we're not alone when we say that getting out to watch our dogs marvel in these natural surroundings not only brings us pleasure, but also allows us, in turn, to experience the outdoors from a fresh perspective ourselves.

The Current Off-Leash Schedule

Because Summit Woods is home to birds and other wildlife, off-leash hours vary during spring nesting season (April 16 - June 15) and the summer season. During the winter months, dogs are allowed off-leash at all times of day. However according to articles by Global News and CTV News, a handful of residents neighboring the park ("Summit Residents") are demanding the municipality to eliminate all off-leash hours.

The Conflict

The Summit Residents Position

The Summit Residents claim that the dog friendly rules encourage too many residents and locals to drive to the park which in turn causes traffic and overparking blocking driveways. They also claim that the attraction has led to significant damage to the habitat.

The Summit Residents plan to make their case on legal grounds that the provincial law requires all dogs to be on leash unless in a fenced in area.

Resident Dog Owners

In response, resident dog owners, led by Dana Even, have begun circulating a petition expressing support for the current bylaws and opposition to the supposed ban.

Jindo's Take

As a brand devoted to the positive impact of pets in our lives, it is perhaps unsurprising to read that we are on the side of the dog owners.

The Summit Residents consist in a handful of people, whereas the entire dog owning population of the municipality and city at large (non-residents can get a permit for $50/year) consists in thousands, and this is without taking into account the dogs themselves.

Any discernible threats to the ecosystem can be offset by improved signage and enforcement. An intiative that would surely be welcomed by both Summit Residents and Dog Owner Residents and could even be subsidized by an increase to fines and permit fees.

The calculation here hardly seems difficult. However, just because the Summit Residents' resolution is unjustified does not mean their complaints are.

Let's hope this all blows over and can serve as a reminder that the Summit is a privilege. It is ultimately our responsibility as dog owners to ensure that the rules are respected and observed.

What happens next? Find out live on April 8th at the next Westmount city council meeting. We'll be there in person and would love to see you there.