Ottawa residents are voicing strong criticism against a city parks policy that prioritizes "dog inclusivity" over the safety of smaller canines, calling the rule a nonsensical product of bureaucratic overreach. The debate, featured in the January 10, 2026 edition of the Ottawa Citizen's Letters to the Editor, also saw readers demanding justice in the case of Anthony Aust and speculating on the geopolitical motives behind former U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in Greenland.
Dog Park Policy Called Illogical and Dangerous
At the heart of the local controversy is a stance by Ottawa's parks authority, which suggests that creating separate, fenced areas for small dogs within public off-leash parks would violate principles of inclusivity. Letter writer Andrée Champagne sharply disputes this logic, drawing a parallel to city playgrounds designed specifically for small children.
"Why don’t we let small children play in the same space as high school football players?" Champagne asks, highlighting the obvious safety concerns. She argues that the city's position falls apart under simple scrutiny and suggests the real reason for inaction may be that no city councillors own small dogs. Dismissing potential budget concerns, Champagne points to the millions being spent on the Lansdowne Park redevelopment as evidence that funds could be found if the will existed.
Residents See Simple, Overlooked Solution
Another resident, Sharon Mintz, shared a personal perspective, having previously owned large Bernese Mountain dogs but now caring for a small Morkie. Mintz expresses hesitation to visit the off-leash park near Slater and Bronson streets due to the potential risks highlighted by the ongoing discussion.
"It would be no problem to fence off that really large area for smaller dogs. It is really a no brainer," Mintz writes, echoing the sentiment that the solution is straightforward and being unnecessarily complicated by policy.
Systemic Racism Alleged in Denied Inquest
Beyond local park rules, readers expressed outrage over the handling of the death of Anthony Aust five years ago. In a letter referencing a recent article, Susan Harrison of Gloucester condemns the decision by the Regional Coroner to deny an inquest into Aust's death. Aust died after jumping from a window during a police operation that involved a dynamic entry into his family's apartment.
Harrison questions the justification for such a forceful police entry, noting Aust was wearing an ankle monitor and the apartment had video surveillance. She labels the situation "an obvious example of systemic racism" and demands immediate action, criticizing the Ottawa Police Service for planning to wait until 2027 to end the practice of "dynamic entries" in similar circumstances.
Geopolitical Fears Over Trump's Greenland Ambition
Shifting to international concerns, Terry Wood, a retired Canadian diplomat, offered a stark warning regarding Donald Trump's reported desire to acquire Greenland. In a letter responding to a January 7 article by Danica Kirka, Wood frames the potential acquisition as a act of "grubby imperialism" with dire consequences for Canada.
Wood theorizes that U.S. control of Greenland would create inexorable pressure to seize Canadian Arctic islands to establish a land bridge connecting Alaska and Greenland. This move, he argues, would effectively surround Canada and could be part of a strategy to "squeeze us out of existence."
The collection of letters underscores a community engaged on issues ranging from hyper-local municipal policy to global sovereignty, all through the lens of Ottawa residents demanding clearer logic, greater accountability, and proactive leadership.
