Feedback results

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Results from our dog poop, dog leash and dog waste recycling containers surveys

Thank you for contributing to our surveys. We are thankful to all those who provided feedback. The information below is a brief summary of what we heard from the survey respondents. We have posted detailed feedback in the document library.


Dog poop survey – 839 responses

Survey idea

# of respondents who said it could work

# of respondents who said it was a terrible idea

# of respondents who said they loved the idea

Dog poop pick-up days

426

299

60

QR code/photo contest

427

187

186

Poop-free contest – fewest complaints

332

287

130


Dog leash survey – 678 responses

Survey idea

# of respondents who said it could work

# of respondents who said it was a terrible idea

# of respondents who said they loved the idea

Dog leash days

326

186

71

Dogs on leash photo contest

264

182

159

Leash contest – fewest complaints

272

236

80



Suggested locations for additional dog waste recycling containers

  • There were 422 pins marked on the map, and 74 entries posted on our ideas tool, all representing suggestions for additional dog poop recycling containers. This map provides an overview of where the community would like us to install additional dog waste recycling containers.



Survey themes

The following themes were prevalent in the dog leash survey:

  • Let them know people are afraid of dogs
  • Steeper fines, more enforcement
  • More leash-free dog parks
  • Partner with local dog organizations on a campaign
  • Create more off-leash areas, create timelines for off-leash use in parks etc.

The following themes were prevalent in the dog poop survey:

  • Social media awareness
  • More signage, more enforcement
  • More trash bins and more dog waste recycling containers
  • Steep fines and a set of effective channels of reporting misbehaviour from dog owners
  • Partner with dog organizations for a campaign


Next steps

Based on feedback received, city staff are now exploring several options to support the goal of keeping dogs on-leash and proper dog poop disposal. Please note: we cannot guarantee that we’ll implement all of these ideas; budget, council approval and other factors may impact our approach.

Option Details Timeline

Install one dog waste recycling container at each of these locations

  • Bechtel Park
  • Waterloo Park West
  • Larch Street
  • New Hampshire Park
  • Beechdrops Park

Fall 2021

Install five additional dog waste recycling containers based on community feedback

Locations still to be determined – based on locations marked on map

Fall 2021

Full-scale communications plan to increase awareness

May include social media, radio and newspaper ads, improved signage, etc.

Fall 2021

Brochures handed out at time of dog-tag registration

Remind dog owners of the bylaws associated with dog waste and dog leashes

Fall 2021

Launch dog leash and dog poop contests

Tweak ideas suggested in the dog poop and dog leash surveys to engage as many dog owners as possible

Spring 2022

Directional signage in parks

Show dog owners the location of nearest trash bin/recycling container

TBD

Increase frequency of trash bin collection

In areas where a recycling container does not exist

TBD

Enforcement

Fewer warnings, more fines and increased fine amounts

TBD

More leash-free dog parks

Confirm timeline for the new leash-free dog park on the west side of Waterloo, and explore the option of designating certain parks leash-free during certain times of the day

TBD


We will post updates as we make progress on the options listed above. Please be sure to follow this project to receive updates as we move forward.

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This consultation has concluded.

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