The 4 Poop Can in PKOLS
In the heart of PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park), nestled at the intersection of the Glendenning and Mercer trails, lies an invaluable fixture known as the 4 Poop Can. For over a decade, this unassuming container has served as a receptacle for dog poop bags, thanks to the dedication of a dog lover who put it in place. The importance of this can to the park's canine community cannot be overstated.
Managed by a succession of volunteers, over at least 15 years, the 4 Poop Can stands as a testament to the commitment of those who cherish this green space. There have been at least two remarkable women who took on the responsibility of emptying the bin prior to the current CRD DOGGS stewards. The first woman kept a wheelbarrow chained to a nearby tree, faithfully doing the job for many years. When she was unable to continue, she put up a notice and found another volunteer, who carried on the task for at least two more years.
“Last January 2023, when poop bags and other garbage started to pile up on the ground around the bin, Peter and I realized that no one was emptying it,” said Sandra Savage, a CRD DOGGS member. “We were quite horrified by this and equipped ourselves with two pickers and garbage bags. We hauled our filled bags down to the Glendenning parking lot bins on Peter's three-wheeled walker.” Peter Savage is in his 80’s and these two volunteers have made it their goal to keep our beloved PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) clean.
Sandra and Peter Savage with their dog Ziva
Eventually the effort became too difficult for both Peter and Sandra and the next volunteer, Susan Hart, also a CRD DOGGS member, has stepped in to assist. The job involves gloves, garbage bags a picker, a wheelie cart, and a strong constitution!
Despite the efforts of our amazing CRD DOGGS members, Saanich has not offered any help to empty this bin, citing resource constraints and park officials have expressed reluctance to accommodate additional efforts beyond their current scope.
As discussions continue between the CRD Dogg Society and Saanich Parks, it is evident that a collaborative approach is needed to address the challenges faced by volunteers and ensure the continued success of initiatives like the 4 Poop Can.
In the meantime, the dedication of volunteers remains unwavering, underscoring their commitment to the well-being of PKOLS and our dog community.
Every visitor to PKOLS can play a part in supporting the 4-Poop Can by doing these easy things:
Please tie your poop bags prior to disposing them in this bin.
Empty your coffee cups or pop cans before placing them into this bin (or better yet use proper garbage can at the entrance to the park).
Volunteer to help bring the contents to the main garbage can once a week.