For over 13 years, Rea Hailley and Al Del Degan have called Crestmont home. They’ve watched the neighbourhood grow, welcoming new families, new houses, and—most noticeably—more dogs. With this growth came an unfortunate problem: many dog owners weren’t picking up after their pets.
At first, it was just an occasional nuisance, but as time passed, the issue became impossible to ignore. Uncollected waste created unsanitary conditions, attracted coyotes, and left behind unpleasant odors. Frustrated by the decline in cleanliness, Rea and Al decided they wouldn’t just complain—they would take action.
The couple set out to create a simple solution: easily accessible dog poop bag dispensers placed throughout Crestmont. After experimenting with several designs, Al perfected a 3D-printed dispenser that was durable, functional, and easy to maintain. They installed them in key areas and took on the responsibility of keeping them stocked with bags, all on a volunteer basis.
The impact was immediate. Over time, the couple noticed a remarkable difference—more than a 90% decline in uncollected waste. The neighbourhood was cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.
Of course, there are still a few who refuse to clean up after their pets, but thanks to Rea and Al’s initiative, the problem is significantly reduced. Their efforts even inspired others to get involved. Gerard Chiasson, a local realtor, generously stepped up to supply the dispensers with free dog poop bags, ensuring that every pet owner had the tools they needed to do their part.
Thanks to this simple act of community-driven problem-solving, Crestmont residents can take pride in a cleaner, more welcoming neighbourhood. It’s proof that small actions, when done with dedication, can lead to big changes.
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