Have Your Say:
Betrayal or loyalty?
Amendment 1522-2024-01: how will future generations judge Westmount city council’s actions?
June 20, 2024
Open letter to Westmount City Council:
On May 6, 2024, the City of Westmount adopted Amendment No. 1522-2024-01, modifying Bylaw No. 1522 to designate Summit Woods Park as a “dog park” or “dog exercise area.” This designation changes the primary purpose of Summit Woods Park, formerly known as a “perpetual nature reserve” and a “bird sanctuary.” This decision raises many questions:
Public Safety and Citizens’ Freedom: Is this decision a betrayal of public safety and the freedom of all citizens (residents and non-residents of Westmount) who wish to visit Summit Woods, or is it a show of loyalty to off-leash dogs and their owners, at the expense of the citizens’ freedom?
Individual Rights and Legal Compliance: Is this decision a betrayal of individual rights (the most important of which is the Right to Life, meaning Protection of human life) by objectively denying the definition of a “dog park,” which is characterized as a reserved, fenced, and specifically designed space for dogs, in an apparent attempt to comply with Provincial Law? Or is it a show of loyalty to the rights of dogs to roam in an unfenced public forest? The Council ignores that the City of Westmount remains non-compliant with Provincial Law as Summit Woods remains an unfenced public park.
Wildlife and Biodiversity: Is this decision a betrayal of the precious wildlife and biodiversity of Summit Woods, which is home to rare bird species and unique wildflowers? Or is it a show of loyalty to dogs and their owners who wish to roam off-leash and uncontrolled?
Natural Heritage: Is this decision a betrayal of the preservation of our rich natural heritage, as even well-behaved dogs can disturb natural habitats, cause stress to wildlife, and destroy delicate plants? Or is it a show of loyalty to dogs, thereby transforming the 23 hectares of this urban forest into a dog park?
Collective and Memorial Heritage: Is this decision a betrayal of the preservation of the collective and memorial heritage of Summit Woods for future generations, or is it a show of loyalty to a privilege granted to dogs and their owners through a past mistake? Summit Woods represents more than just a green space; it is a place of collective memory and a symbol of our community’s commitment to nature. This decision ignores the historical and ecological importance of this sanctuary.
Civic Responsibility: Is this decision a betrayal of civic responsibility, by allowing dogs to run freely in Summit Woods without restrictions and freeing their owners from the responsibility of their animals’ actions? Or is it a show of loyalty to dog owners who wish to socialize without the responsibility of keeping their dogs under control on the trails and managing their pets’ waste, as well as preventing environmental damage?
Sanctuary’s Purpose and Mission: Is this decision a betrayal by transforming the purpose and mission of a bird sanctuary like Summit Woods into a giant public toilet for dogs from all over Montreal, or is it a show of loyalty to off-leash dogs and their owners?
Finally, a question for the mayor and council members: how will future generations judge your actions? Will they see that you betrayed them by abdicating your responsibility for public safety and allowing this rare urban gem, one of the most beautiful panoramic viewpoints on the Island of Montreal, to deteriorate, or will they judge that you were loyal to the dogs and their owners’ desire to make them roam off-leash in a heritage-designated urban forest of Mount Royal, also a public and unfenced place?
Maryam Kamali Nezhad, ing. Ph.D
Summit Circle
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of WestmountMag.ca or its publishers.
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This piece is very smart, to the point, and truly admirable. It effectively raises critical questions about the City of Westmount’s decision to designate Summit Woods Park as a dog park, highlighting the potential impacts on public safety, individual rights, wildlife, natural heritage, collective memory, civic responsibility, and the sanctuary’s purpose and mission. The structured approach and detailed analysis make a compelling case for reconsideration of this decision.
Dear Diana,
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful feedback. I’m glad the piece resonated with you and effectively highlighted the critical issues at hand.
Best regards,
Maryam
I grew up in the City of Westmount. I am a biologist. So often, the only relatively wild wooded area to visit was the Summit Park — a natural park. I would bike up to the summit with friends or brothers, we’d lock our bikes, and walk the trails, well-worn as they were. It was at least a taste of the woods within the city.
During my university years, I worked with the Parks Department (mid to late 70s) and tidied the summit perimeter every spring. We saw the trilliums and other spring blooms appear. If we were on the park’s refuse collection, we emptied baskets on the summit park. We tried to keep it enjoyable for others.
Dogs were to be kept on a leash. Once in a while, we would see rabbits, as well as the regular collection of squirrels, including the reds. The birds would announce their spring arrivals. I was a member of a local scout troop, which once in a while would have
night games on the summit. Those were fun. And once in a while, we would walk up from our lower Argyle home, climbing numerous stairs to Summit Circle … and now you wish to turn this into a dog run ??
No more casual and enjoyable hikes to the woods on top? Wildlife of course will be gone. Do not think for a second that the bird life will be as plentiful. And the parasite population from the dog feces will boom in the soil. Not great for human presence. No, this will no longer be the gem it was or still is. It will become worn and ragged, and possibly odourous. Besides, what rights of dogs does one speak of? If the Charter of Canadian Rights has any bearing in Quebec, one will notice NO mention of the Rights of Dogs. Dogs get their rights from their owners. Owners get their dogs’ rights from the rules of society.
Big mistake and disappointment if that natural park is designated and fenced in as a dog run. Just an easy way also for dog owners not having to clean up after them. Yes, dogs are great companions to many, but to many, a natural park in the heart of a metropolis is a piece of heaven.
In this day and age of natural protection of natural spaces, this decision seems to be backward. But then again, money can buy anything .
Allan Goddard, Almonte, Ontario. Former and long-time resident of Westmount, Quebec.
Dear Allan,
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt memories and concerns about Summit Woods. Your experiences and insights as a biologist and former resident are invaluable. We will take your thoughts into consideration as we continue our efforts to preserve this cherished natural park.
Best regards,
Maryam
Last month, the mayor of Westmount, known for her statement “Je suis la fière propriétaire de charm”, along with her six disciples, all dog owners, passed a by-law overriding provincial law #128, Article 20, chapter 38.002, requiring dogs to be leashed in public areas. This new by-law designates Summit Woods, formerly Summit Park, as a dog run facility, ignoring its status as a sanctuary for wildlife, deserving UNESCO world heritage recognition for its unique urban setting. This green space is not just for a few with unleashed dogs; it is meant to be preserved as a wildlife reserve and shared by all. It’s selfish and inconsiderate for dog owners to disregard the safety of others by allowing their dogs to roam unleashed in this unfenced space, disturbing wildlife and humans. Prioritizing the community and environment over the desires of a few is imperative. Public officials should not act on personal agendas.
Note: Westmount city boasts the luxury of not one, but three fenced dog runs, a rare privilege in the heart of an urban center.
Reference of the remark by the mayor of Westmount: YouTube video: https://youtu.be/JdvGVSqaWBg?t=15 timestamp 1:58:00
Westmount Council, 2024-05-06 Regular meeting of the Council | Regular Council Sitting.
Deplorable. Canada, as a whole, has a terrible reputation for safe-keeping of its natural environment. With regard to the protection of lands ( habitat for wildlife, trees, natural foliage) Canada protects only 13% of its landmass. ( UK 30%, Japan 30%, Venezuala 57%…countries of less acreage and greater populations manage it). Here we have this little gem of biodiversity. A quiet place to observe birds and small animals. And this is to be overrun by dogs off leash,endangering these little creatures, and the undisciplined dog owners who pick up the poo, put it in a plastic bag and toss it under a tree (as viewed in other parks). Please. Stop. This.
Dear CJ
Thank you for your comment. I wanted to note that Summit Woods represents around 58% of all Westmount parks and green spaces. It encompasses 23 hectares, which are now offered to off-leash dogs.
Unfortunately, the mayor and seven councilors seem to close their eyes to the reality of the world, the importance of public security, environmental and heritage conservation, and all the research highlighting the negative impact of off-leash dogs.
Best regards,
Maryam
Dear CJ
Thank you for your comment. I wanted to note that Summit Woods represents around 58% of all Westmount parks and green spaces. It encompasses 23 hectares, which are now offered to off-leash dogs.
Best regards,
Maryam
Dear CJ
Thank you for your comment. I wanted to note that Summit Woods represents around 58% of all Westmount parks and green spaces. It encompasses 23 hectares, which are now offered to off-leash dogs.
Unfortunately, the mayor and seven councilors seem to close their eyes to the reality of the world, the importance of public security, environmental and heritage conservation, and all the research highlighting the negative impact of off-leash dogs.
Best regards,
Maryam
Dear CJ
Thank you for your comment. I wanted to note that Summit Woods represents around 58% of all Westmount parks and green spaces. It encompasses 23 hectares, which are now offered to off-leash dogs.
Best regards,
Maryam