Greater Sudbury's first off-leash dog park is another step closer to reality after members of the Minnow Lake Community Action Network (CAN) voted unanimously to support the fenced-in park.

The group also agreed to request the funding in two parts so money could be allocated from the 2011 and 2012 municipal budgets. This would mean the development of the park would move forward in two stages.

Roughly 45 members of the CAN attended a meeting at Minnow Lake Place on Feb. 22. The cost of the park, estimated at $123,379, was presented to city council on Jan. 19. The park would be located on a former gravel pit off Second Avenue.

Fencing would cost roughly $54,424, signs $5,000 and maintenance $6,700. The entrance, roadway and parking would cost $57,255, as the planners wish to move the entrance so it will align with future road adjustments.

John Lindsay, chair of the Minnow Lake CAN, said the $123,379 is deceiving as that money would cover the construction of the park and construction of a road into the property. He said the actual cost of the park would be around $50,000.

“The city is going to put the road in anyway at some time,” he said. “We didn't think it was fair to tack on the money for putting in the road and cleaning up the property to the cost of the dog park because they're going to do that anyway.”

Lindsay said that despite the triple-digit price tag, the cost isn't unreasonable compared to other leisure projects, such as building an arena or recreation park.

If the project is approved, it would be a city project.

“The (Minnow Lake CAN) has agreed to do some maintenance costs and to raise money for other enhancements later on,” he said. “The park would be like any other park the city would put up. You don't expect residents to go in and put up a park.”

Ward 11 Coun. Terry Kett said volunteers have been working hard to get the project started.

“You have to be able to give volunteers some ray of hope,” he said. “I am determined...that we will get the dog park started this year. Will we finish it this year? Probably not.”

Kett said instead of requesting the full $123,379, the group will request a portion of the funding in the 2011 budget and look for additional funds in the 2012 budget.

“What we're planning on doing right now is almost cut (the funding request) in half,” he said. “To do about $45,000 of it this year and then the next budget starts at the end of this year.”

Kett said if the group were to receive half the funding, the ground work could be finished this year.