Outremont Dog Park: An Ethical Analysis of Urban Development Plans

This essay addresses the ethical concerns arising from the planned demolition of Outremont Dog Park, a significant recreational space in Montreal, to make way for new condos and a university campus. The park, valued by dog owners for its leash-free environment and social opportunities, faces closure despite community opposition. The essay highlights the conflict between urban development and the preservation of green spaces, questioning the decision-making process that prioritizes construction over the well-being of animals and the community's recreational needs. It also emphasizes the importance of considering the ethical implications of such projects, especially concerning the displacement of a valued community resource and the potential negative impact on the dogs who rely on the park for exercise and socialization. The essay concludes by advocating for a more balanced approach that considers the needs of both humans and animals in urban planning.

Running head: ETHICAL ISSUE
ETHICAL ISSUE
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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ETHICAL ISSUE
Spector, D. (2018). Outremont dog park users angered by planned demolition. [online]
Global News. Available at: https://globalnews.ca/news/4032254/outremont-dog-
park-users-furious-about-demolition/ [Accessed 18 Feb. 2018].
The article reveals the news of Outremont Dog Park which is one of the biggest parks in
Montreal. People come in the park from far away to enjoy with the dogs in the park. However, it
is reported on 14 of February that the park will be closed within 10 years because the land is
taken up by the new Condos and the University of Montreal. It is planned to build new campus
for the university and residences. Regarding this matter the daily visitors of the park got a chance
to meet the city officials to discuss the future of the park. There the officials handed out the
diagram of the plan of the condos and the new road construction which will replace the park and
with only a small green space left for the park. This was not accepted by the visitors of the park.
The mayor of Outremont assured people that he will try to replace the dog park to a new place.
The visitors of the park decided to protest against the decision of the development plan. Some
visitors even chose to sit in front of the tractors of the construction site along with their families.
Later, it was also found that the decision of the development plan was made 12 years ago which
was later known in an interview after the meeting. The visitor’s of the park stuck to the point that
they will fight to keep their dogs park.
The Outremont dog park is the only one of Montreal’s largest dog park, where people
come to visit with their dog to play around, exercise and socialize. The site is now belonging to
the University of Montreal where it is planned to build new residences and part of campus.
However, a park where dogs without a leash have fun, exercise and socialize with other dogs and
their owners as well. It creates a negative impact over the dogs, who would not find place to play

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except this park. A site for development of campus is easily available but to replace a park where
the dogs have fun is not appreciated. To certain visitor’s it could also create a hurdle to visit the
new park which might be far away from their residences. The development of a new park or the
new campus plan will definitely take a long period of time to construct till then where the dogs
will play or socialize, the officials should understand that as people have the right to play and
have fun it is same for the animals too. In the present world, the spaces are mostly occupied by
residences, office building while the greenery is being vanished. Hence, it is not a right decision
of the demolition of the park because it will lead to the abolition of nature and a place for the
animals to gather and socialize.

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Reference
Spector, D. (2018). Outremont dog park users angered by planned demolition. [online] Global
News. Available at: https://globalnews.ca/news/4032254/outremont-dog-park-users-
furious-about-demolition/ [Accessed 18 Feb. 2018].