Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy
With an increasing population of dogs in cities, there is growing demand for municipalities to accommodate residents and their dogs in public places, and provide sustainable and safe off-leash opportunities.
Currently there are over forty (40) Dogs Off-Leash sites within the City of Edmonton. The City of Edmonton’s initial dog off leash guidelines were created in the 1990’s, and over the years most dog off leash areas have been created as a result of requests from community groups or citizens.
The “Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy” proposes a number of recommendations to help shape and update the City of Edmonton’s current planning, design and management practices regarding dog off leash areas. Public consultation will occur with changes to current parks or the planning of future parks.
Project Timeline
| Timeframe | Project Activity |
|---|---|
| Summer 2017 |
The City will create an implementation plan to address recommendations in the strategy, which will include an assessment of all current off leash sites. The City will prioritize working in off leash areas and with community groups that have urgent or emergent needs. |
| March 2016 | Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy was approved by the Community Services Committee on March 21. |
| June 2015 | Public Consultation Phase Two completed - June 24 & 25. |
| May 2015 | Public Consultation Phase One completed - May 13 & 14. |
| Winter 2015 | Background review of current practices completed. |
Project Overview
The “Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy” identifies a number of recommendations and best practices that will be used to update the City of Edmonton’s current dog off leash guidelines and programs. Public engagement and consultation with City of Edmonton staff and other stakeholders played a prominent role in shaping the direction of this strategy.
Strategy Recommendations
- Planning recommendations have been suggested including access and parking, site uses, types of off leash areas and funding
- Design recommendations to consider include boundaries, amenities, environmental protection, winter considerations, waste management, vegetation and public health and safety
- Management recommendations include best practices for general maintenance, education and communications, community stewardship, enforcement and monitoring
- The City of Edmonton will consider those recommendations from the “Dogs in Open Spaces Strategy” when planning, designing and managing current and future off leash sites
For More Information
| Online | Contact 311 Online |
|---|
| Telephone | In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
|---|---|
| TTY | 780-944-5555 |
| 311@edmonton.ca |
