To: Christchurch City Council
Restore Leashed Dogs at Styx Mill Reserve
Christchurch City Council should review the Styx Mill Reserve dog ban and reinstate leashed access on designated paths across the whole reserve, balancing wildlife protection with safe recreation for Northwood residents.
Why is this important?
Styx Mill Reserve is a vital recreational space right next to Northwood homes, where local dog owners like me have safely walked leashed pets for years… until the recent bylaw banned dogs entirely around the lakes area, cutting off the loop track.
The loop around the reserve that is an enjoyable 40 minute run or hour walk with the dog, is no longer an option.
The loop around the reserve that is an enjoyable 40 minute run or hour walk with the dog, is no longer an option.
Many of us value the reserve for exercise and recreation and seek practical compromises like returning the area to a “dogs on leash” policy.
This would balance the recreational enjoyment of the reserve for everyone whilst minimising impact on wildlife.
This would balance the recreational enjoyment of the reserve for everyone whilst minimising impact on wildlife.
