City council will have to look at whether it wants to override an administrative decision that will keep dog groups from returning to the Takhini Arena this fall, says Mayor Bev Buckway.

The city announced last week it will not allow pets in the facilities it manages.

That essentially leaves local dog training groups without a place to train and host obedience classes through the winter months.

The arena's mezzanine has been used for dog training over the last 20 years. It has been the only option for training since the Department of Education brought in its own policy in 2007 to keep the groups out of schools over concerns about allergies.

At Monday evening's council meeting, representatives with a number of dog groups asked council to reconsider the decision or at least grant another extension (one was initially granted from January to April) until a new site can be found.

The mayor listened to nine speakers point to the positive contributions the clubs make to the city and the need for indoor training space through the winter.

Buckway said after the meeting council will talk about the matter, though there have been ongoing discussions about having city-run facilities animal-free (with the exception of service animals) since 1996.

An extension has already been granted to the groups from the original January date set for the policy, she noted. "What happens a year from now?” she asked, if the requested extension is granted.

She did say it seems many of those speaking in favour of letting the dogs train in the arena's mezzanine seemed to realize the city is now serious about the matter, and is encouraged by the possibility of the clubs joining together to find a new location.

Buckway said that while efforts by city staff and the dog clubs haven't turned up a new location yet, it appears they may be close to finding one. She hopes that within a week or two, they will be closer to having a new location.

City staff defended the policy to keep the animals out of the arena at a technical briefing Monday afternoon.

"Our whole job is to serve the public,” indoor facilities manager Art Manhire said. He cited public health and safety concerns around allergies, and the dogs coming into contact with children.

"It is a long-standing issue,” said parks and recreation manager Linda Rapp.

Documents detailing the discussions leading up first to the city's policy to start last January, then the subsequent extension to April, were provided to media.

Though service dogs are legally allowed in public buildings, staff noted the frequency and number of those animals entering the arena isn't as great as those taking classes with the club.

Manhire noted the dog hair left in the mezzanine gets into the arena's duct work and spreads throughout the entire building.

It was acknowledged that there have been no complaints about the groups doing dog training in the mezzanine.

However, Manhire said the city's legal counsel has suggested that if there are complaints about allergies and so on, the city could be "up the creek.”

While the city acknowledges the value of the dog training which happens in the mezzanine, the space where it happens isn't the best, Manhire said.

He noted that staff have worked to find new locations for the groups, but there doesn't seem to be any space the groups deem suitable.

A list provided to the media noted options suggested included the Nahanni Adventures building on Copper Road, the new Swales building on Tlingit Street and the former Arctic Winter Games offices on Wood Street, all of which were willing to lease their facilities at varied costs.

While dog clubs have argued any space that is available has been too expensive, city officials argued the price is about the same it's charging for the same amount of space.

They did recognize though that in some cases, the space was larger and the price was about the same for the same amount of space, meaning they would have to find another group to share the available spot.

The city also asked representatives of the dog clubs to contact the Yukon Horse and Rider Association about sharing space.

Officials with the dog clubs told council last night it would be a lengthy process to come up with such an arrangement.

The city also suggested another contact who might know of space available, but nothing came of that possibility either.

Staff are standing by the policy, but will continue to work with the dog groups to find a new space, it was noted.

While Manhire compared the policy to that of scent-free zones for those who are sensitive to smells, the city does not yet have a policy on that.

It may not be far off though after Buckway asked at last night's meeting that staff look into the possibility.

After the meeting, she said the request is not coming from this situation, but was a suggestion that came to her from a resident.

While the mayor is unsure how feasible it is, she said she wants to at least explore the issue.