The City took a step in the right direction Monday night when they gave first reading to a bylaw that will make the City's first off-leash dog park that much more real.

The City amended the Animal Control Bylaw to include rules and regulations for a future off-leash dog park, which mostly focused on safety.

"We have to cover all of our bases so to speak when it comes to that sort of thing. We want to stress the importance of vaccinations and licences for your animals, that sort of thing before you go into the park," said Coun. Ryan Espey.

It is important for owners to be in control of their animals because they will be in a big area off-leash. Examples of some of the regulations included: remaining on leash until animals enter the park; no female dogs in heat; owners must clean up all animal excrement; no dangerous or aggressive animals; and no letting animals get out of control or far enough away they wont respond to voice or hand commands.

The dog park idea came about after a group of citizens approached the City a number of weeks ago with the goal of creating one such park in the city. The City was very receptive to the idea and worked with the group to create the bylaw amendment.

"It's just part of the regular process of going through the bylaw. It's going at a normal pace and we'll get second and third reading done in August and then we'll start talking with the group again and looking at what they want to see for options as far as locations and that sort of thing," said Espey.

Council will meet again on Aug. 13 where second and third reading will be given.