By Tiffany Goodwein

Council approves fence for off-leash dog area at Marshall Fields

Jul 9, 2019 | 6:00 AM

After a lengthy discussion, Vernon city council voted to approve installing a fence along Marshall Fields that would separate the playing fields from the off-leash dog area.

The galvanized chain link fence will stand four-feet high and will cost taxpayers roughly $87,000.

At Monday’s council meeting, Coun. Kari Gares asked staff why the cost for a fence was so high noting that at last council meeting, council was told that the cost of the fence was around $54,000.

Staff commented the price jump had a lot to due with demand.

“We were told that there is no fencing company that’s going to be able to supply us with that fence at price right now and until the end of the year, because there is such a demand on fencing,” said one city staff member.

Charger rollout

Phased approach planned for EV chargers at Vernon ALC

Apr 24, 2026

Secondary Dwellings

Coldstream considering more housing on agricultural lands

Apr 24, 2026

Wildfire Risks

Okanagan's Fire Danger Rating already up to Moderate

Apr 23, 2026

The $87,000 price tag would also include permanent signage, two garbage cans and bag dispensers, according to a report issued to council.

Funds for the fence will be supplied from the 2018 year-end uncommitted unexpended balance.

During the meeting, council also agreed to extend the suspension of a current bylaw which prohibits dogs from being off-leash in the designated off-leash area of Marshall Fields until the permanent fence and signs are installed this fall.

A parks master plan that would consider the reorientation of the soccer fields, more parking spaces, options for a playground and re-alignment of vehicle access was also approved as part of the motion.

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming put forward a separate motion to direct administration to research ways to protect the Great Basin Spadefoot toad population at a much lower cost.

Staff earmarked the cost of environmental protections for the toad at $38,000.

That would include re-routing a portion of the footpath, stopping maintenance activity near sensitive buffer zones and putting in interpretive signs.

by Tiffany Goodwein

View Comments