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Tuesday November 13 , 2012
Serving Surrey and North Delta www.surreyleader.com
Higher fines for bad dogs Metro Vancouver takes new steps to curb canine chaos in regional parks by Jeff Nagel
“We’re trying to make everybody happy.”
EVAN SEAL / THE LEADER
Regional officials are cracking down on out-of-control or dangerous dogs. Owners who fail to pick up droppings are also being targeted.
EDITION
HIGHER FINES of up to $1,000 could soon be slapped on dog owners who let their hounds break the rules in Metro Vancouver’s regional parks. The regional district’s board will vote on proposed bylaw changes at the end of this month, which are to apply in Metro’s 22 regional parks, such as Tynehead in Surrey, Campbell Valley in Langley and Pacific Spirit in Vancouver, but not municipal parks. The aim is to crack down on aggressive and dangerous dogs that pose a risk to people and other pooches. Park officers will be empowered to order owners to muzzle or leash an out-of-control or dangerous dog, or remove it or ban it altogether – owners who refuse could be fined $1,000. An unleashed dog or one caught in Gayle Martin a no-dog area can trigger a $500 fine, while failing to pick up your dog’s droppings can set you back $250. Officials say those are maximum penalties that would be applied in extreme cases and officers are likely to stress education and warnings first. “In my personal opinion, I think they should be fined right away,” said Langley City Coun. Gayle Martin, vice-chair of Metro Vancouver’s environment and parks committee. “It’s long overdue.” See METRO / Page 3
Pattullo closure a risk As wait for new bridge drags on, aging span is vulnerable
by Jeff Nagel THE PATTULLO Bridge might have to be shut
down for years until a replacement is built if TransLink determines it can’t be upgraded to address growing concerns about seismic and other safety risks. That’s one of the outcomes officials say is possible if Surrey and New Westminster councils continue to clash over the size and positioning of a Pattullo replacement.
TransLink has embarked on a new assessment of the 75-year-old bridge, to be finished early in 2013, that will determine if it’s even possible to perform a major seismic and safety upgrade. The aim would be to extend its life by a couple more decades at a rough cost of $150 million. The bridge would be reduced to three lanes with a counterflow to end the hazard posed by its narrow width. See NEW PATTULLO / Page 8
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The 75-year-old Pattullo Bridge may have to be shut down if seismic and other safety concerns aren’t addressed.
Editorial 6 Letters 7 Life 15 Classifieds 19
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