Dog owners will soon be able to walk their pets on White Rock鈥檚 promenade next year 鈥� but not between May 1 and Aug. 31 鈥� if council continues to back a motion introduced this week.

At Monday evening鈥檚 council meeting, members agreed unanimously to support an amendment to the city鈥檚 existing dog-control bylaw to allow dogs on the promenade 鈥� but not on the pier or the beach 鈥� in non-peak months, as a one-year pilot project.

It鈥檚 the latest development on an issue that has proved for years. It was subject of a in 2012 and topic of a in 2017.

This week鈥檚 decision, on a motion by Coun. Helen Fathers, followed a presentation from former civic candidate Mike Armstrong, representing the Dog Owners Group of White Rock.

In suggesting a one-year reviewable program, Armstrong argued that a key to restoring vibrancy on the waterfront was to allow dog owners to walk their pets on the promenade in off-season months. He said dog-poop bag dispensers could be provided free of charge.

Mayor Darryl Walker, speaking in support of the motion, said 鈥渢o a degree, it鈥檚 up to the dog owners themselves who will help to make sure that they do all the right things.鈥�

If supported Jan. 14, council will have a final vote Jan. 28.