I am deeply concerned for the wildlife at One Mile Lake and their ability to nest safely. I have not seen any little flotillas of ducklings cruising the lake or channels behind their mother hen for a number of years, and can only assume they are being disturbed by dogs.
Despite the Village of Pemberton bylaw that all dogs must be leashed, I see many allowed to run free and into the nesting areas. A special doggy beach has been set aside to give dogs freedom to swim, however this does not appear to satisfy some dog owners.
I am 96 years old and slightly built, so felt quite threatened by a lady who, when asked to leash her dog, loudly told me to mind my own business stating that her dog would never be on a leash. As a local taxpayer I am happy to pay towards dog playgrounds, free-run parks etc. knowing that they keep most dogs and their owners satisfied.
As the saying goes, it only takes one bad apple to ruin the whole basket. Please let’s all work together to keep these wildlife areas safe, especially in the spring.
