October 2018
Toronto’s dog population, along with its condo population, is exploding. This is creating new challenges for condo corporations and city planners.
Some spaces have become so “contaminated” with dog urine that dogs have gotten sick and others avoid these areas. The smell of urine is strong enough to be noticeable.
An informal study of dog registrations near CityPlace suggests condo buildings can have an average of 7 dogs per floor; that is 168 dogs for a 24-storey condo building or 280 dogs for a 40-storey condo building. According to Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation that translates to 1.4 dump trucks of dog poop per year for some condo buildings!
As green space becomes more limited dogs can be a source of conflict among condo residents. Dog owners require space for themselves and their pets. They compete for this limited space with non-dog owners and children who desire clean pet-free spaces devoid of dog poop and urine.
In 2015 Animal Services Enforcement responded to nearly 1,000 calls relating to excrement and unsanitary calls. The problem is so severe that CityPlace has banned any more pets from residing in two of its buildings.
Condo buildings lack outdoor space for dogs. It is not uncommon for dogs to be prohibited in the front of a building, on green spaces or fountain areas.
Dog advocates argue for an improved environment for dogs. This may include condo buildings designing fountains so dogs can drink, or pet amenities such as play areas and dog washing facilities. The city could design sidewalks with gravel buffers for dogs to protect grass and flowers. Parking areas can be designed to include dog runs.
