Learn as a Responsible Citizen

There are two topics in this section. This information will help you discover the answer to the following questions:

• Why do bylaws exist?
• How do bylaws help to protect our parks and pathways?
• How can we use parks and pathways safely?

Bylaws and Parks: What are bylaws?

Bylaws are laws created by local governments to meet the needs of citizens, to solve problems and to create solutions.  Bylaws are based on decisions made by City Council with input from citizens.  Bylaws are created to

• ensure health and safety of citizens
• protect the environment
• keep our city looking clean and vibrant
• help Calgarians live in harmony with their neighbours

Freedom City: A Town without Bylaws

People in Freedom City love to go to the park.  Sam missed the garbage collection last week so he brought it to the park to be picked up.  Meanwhile, all of the gardeners go and prune, cut or remove trees and plants.  You never know what the park will look like when you go for a walk!  Kids in the parks are always working on their golf game or practicing archery. The citizens of Freedom City just love being outside together as a community! 

Examine the picture of the Freedom City park.  Create a chart listing the activities you see people doing in the park that they should not be doing.  For each activity, provide a reason why you think it should not be done in a city park.

The Parks and Pathways Bylaw

Unlike Freedom City, Calgary has bylaws.  Bylaws are needed to ensure citizens interact safely with each other and act in ways to conserve the environment.  In Calgary, parks and pathways are regulated under the Parks and Pathways Bylaw.  Some rules under the bylaw include:

• Do not litter.
• Golfing, archery, lawn darts and horseshoes are not allowed.
• Do not pester, feed or interfere with any animal in a park.
• Do not damage, dig, cut, disturb or destroy any park vegetation.

Follow the link to discover more regulations under the Parks and Pathways Bylaw.

Bylaws and Pathways

Watch the videos below to hear a bylaw officer explain some of the common bylaws for City pathways.

Dogs, Parks & Pathways

Calgary is home to over 100 000 dogs.  Pet owners can often be seen walking their dogs on City pathways and playing with their dogs in City parks.  It is important that pet owners are aware of the bylaws about dogs, parks and pathways in order to be responsible citizens and to ensure the safety of their dog and other park users.

Some common bylaws about dogs include:

• All dogs over 3 months of age must have a licence.
• When on a pathway, dogs must be on a leash that is no more than 2 metres long and must stay on the right hand side of the pathway unless passing.
• All dogs must be on a leash unless in a designated, signed off-leash area.
• You must pick up your dog’s waste.
• You cannot cycle or in-line skate on a pathway with a leashed dog.
• All dogs must be under their owner's control in an off-leash area. This means they must respond to sign and sound commands.

Planning for Safety

When spending the day in Calgary’s parks, you many encounter some unexpected hazards.  For example, did you know that you can suffer from hypothermia if you are caught out in the rain without a jacket?  Likewise, if you are out on a sunny day without a hat, you can quickly become dehydrated or suffer from sun stroke.
Here are some more safety tips to consider when spending the day at the park:

• Before you head out, make sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to be back.
• Do not leave marked trails.  If you are visiting an area you are not familiar with, it is best to bring a map or take along a friend who knows the area.
• Dress appropriately.  For example, if you are hiking, be sure to wear comfortable and sturdy footwear, and bring along extra clothes, like rain gear, in case the weather changes.
• Never go alone – bring along a buddy!
• When heading out for a day of exploration, bring along a compass and map, a first aid kit, sun screen lotion, sunglasses, a sun hat, bug repellent, a cell phone, some money and a flashlight.
• Make sure everyone has water and snacks.

Check out the sites below for some more safety tips!

• Wilderness Survival Guide
• Healthy Picnics
• Hug a Tree and Survive

Safety and River Rafting

River rafting is a common activity for Calgarians looking to escape the summer heat.  There are many things to keep in mind when planning a safe rafting trip.  First and foremost, you must wear a properly fitting PFD at all times.  Follow the link to read more about choosing the proper floatation device.
Select a raft that is suitable and safe for use on a river.  It is also important that you do not tie rafts together, as this may cause you to get stuck on bridge columns.

When entering the river, do so in parks that have designated canoe/raft access only.  In Calgary, canoe/raft access points are located at Stanley Park, Sandy Beach and Centenary Park. Entering the river in areas that are not approved can damage the river bank and surrounding environment.

When boating, notify a responsible person where you are going and when you will return. As with any outdoor trip, it is important to dress for the weather, including a hat, and take sunscreen and plenty of water.  It is recommended that you carry a complete emergency kit that includes:

• A bailing device to remove water from inside the watercraft. A hand-held bailer can be purchased or made by cutting the end off a bleach bottle.
• A paddle/oar to help you control your craft.
• A sound-signalling device that can be used for navigation, alerting other crafts of your approach, or signalling assistance in case of an emergency.
• A buoyant heaving line or towing line (15 metres long) to use for rescue purposes or to pull your craft to safety in an emergency.

Remember that rivers run through common spaces and behind people’s houses.  Therefore, it is important to respect the river, respect other’s property, and respect other people.  In other words, you should not litter, use the river as a washroom or make excessive noise while rafting. 

How Can our Actions Affect Wildlife?

Many of our behaviours in parks and on pathways can affect wildlife.  For example:

• Failing to pick up your dog poop can attract wildlife, such as coyotes or magpies.  It also can lead to water contamination and the spread of disease.
• Littering and feeding wildlife, including birds, can lead to the habituation of animals.  This means that the wild animals get used to food from humans and lose some of their natural hunting instincts and fears.  Habituation of animals can lead to dangerous encounters, such as run-ins with coyotes.
• Building a fort in the woods may damage or destroy trees and shrubs where animals and insects live.  This can have harmful consequences for the ecosystem.

Can you think of any other ways your actions in a park or on a pathway could affect wildlife?

Staying Safe around Wildlife

Do you know what to do if you are approached by a stray dog while at the park?  Can you tell the difference between a dog and a coyote?  What should you do if you see a coyote in a park?
If you encounter an animal while at a park or on a pathway, it is important that you act in a safe manner.

Dogs

If you see a dog without his owner:

• Stay away! Do not approach or chase the dog and do not run away from the dog.
• Tell an adult! Let an adult know as soon as you see a dog without his owner.
• Call 3-1-1!  Notify Animal & Bylaw Services about the stray dog so that an animal officer can come retrieve the dog.  This helps to protect both the dog and the other park users.

If a stray dog approaches you, STAND LIKE A TREE!

• To stand like a tree, make your hands into fists and place them under your chin.
• Stand still, don't speak to the dog, and look at the ground. Never stare into the dog’s eyes.
• After sniffing you, the dog will go away because you are boring.

If a stray dog barks, growls or tries to bite you, LIE LIKE A LOG!

• Lie face down on your stomach with your hands covering the back of your neck. This is the safest position.
• Lie still and don’t speak to the dog.
• Do not peek or get up until you're sure the dog has left.

See this Dog Bite Prevention brochure from The City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services for more information about staying safe around stray dogs.

Coyotes

Although coyotes mainly feed on small mammals such as mice and rats, they will attack domestic pets. Coyotes are generally no threat to people but should be treated with respect and never approached or fed. 

The coyote is a medium-sized member of the dog family that includes wolves and foxes. Because of its pointed ears, slender nose and drooping bushy tail, a coyote can sometimes be confused for a German shepherd or collie.

Unlike dogs, coyotes have very yellow eyes and their tails usually have black tips.  Most adult coyotes weigh between 25 – 35 lbs, but their heavy fur coats can make them look bigger.

If you encounter a coyote in a park or on a pathway, make it feel unwelcome.

• Make yourself look as big as possible – raise your hand above your head.
• Shout in a deep voice, stomp your feet and maintain eye contact.              
• Throw objects toward the coyote – aim for its feet. Remember, your goal is to scare the coyote away, not to hurt it.
• Do not turn and run – this will encourage the coyote to chase you.
• If you are walking your dog, make sure he is on a short leash and under your control.  If it is a small dog, pick him up.

For more information about urban coyotes, check out Calgary’s Living with Coyotes program.