The city's waterfront is changing.

Not only is it the site of some major construction projects like the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre and a new seniors' residence, but ATVs and loose dogs seem to be less of a problem this summer for those using the area.

"I've noticed a big change myself,” acting bylaw manager Dave Pruden said in an interview late last week.

The city's bylaw department stepped up its patrols in the waterfront this summer.

The decision followed numerous complaints over the past few years about dogs running loose on the Millennium Trail, dog excrement left behind by owners and ATVs on trails there for non-motorized use only.

After years of gentle persuasion and handing out things like leashes and plastic bags to transgressors, this summer has seen bylaw officers also hand out tickets to help stop the motorized traffic and dog problems along the walkway.

Pruden acknowledged there are still some problems.

Those include a few reports of ATVs on trails they aren't supposed to be driven on and a couple of cases where ATV drivers have sped away on their vehicles.

About 10 to 15 tickets, however, have been issued to dog owners who have their animals off-leash.

In many cases where a dog is seen off-leash, Pruden noted, bylaw officers will simply start by telling the dog owner of the bylaw.

With what appears to be an effective program this summer, Pruden said, officers will continue their efforts along the riverfront.

"We're going to keep on monitoring the waterfront,” he said.