The first of the District’s new off-leash dog areas, Merrill Park, opened in summer 2022.
The second off-leash area located at Brennan Park opened in spring 2024. The third off-leash area located along the Powerline Service Road in Brackendale is anticipated to open in the coming months. The remaining location, John Hunter Park in Valleycliffe, requires an investment in fencing and a timeline is still to be determined.
Each of these locations were chosen based on community feedback received in 2021 that determined a list of proposed pilot locations for off-leash dogs, and a set of conditions that owners are expected to meet in order to use them, such as carry a dog leash and ensure it’s visible, ensure the dog is wearing a valid dog licence, and dispose of dog waste in a garbage disposal bin. These locations reflect the community’s desire to be in open, largely unrestricted areas with their dogs. The areas are routinely patrolled by Bylaw Enforcement along with additional enforcement in the “no go areas” of the community.
The first of the District’s new off-leash dog areas, Merrill Park, is now open.
Signage has been installed at all entrances to the park to indicate that the park is an off-leash trail area and to educate users about the conditions they must follow to have their dog off-leash.
The next off-leash area, under the BC Hydro lines in Brackendale, is expected to open in early 2023.
The District of Squamish conducted a survey to collect public feedback on an updated list of proposed pilot locations in Squamish for off-leash dogs and a set of conditions owners must meet to use those locations. The survey was open from September 24 - October 12, 2021.
Based on the feedback received during the fall 2021 engagement period, Council endorsed a plan to trial the following off-leash dog locations as a pilot project:
The locations that require an investment in fencing and infrastructure will move forward as part of the 2023 budget process.
You can find information on the engagement process, including a summary of what the District heard in the survey, maps of the locations that were considered, and a list of the conditions that dog owners must follow in order to use the off-leash locations at: https://letstalksquamish.ca/dog-off-leash-locations
With a growing population of dogs and dog owners in the community, the District identified the need to address off-leash dogs, and dog owner responsibility. Keeping dogs and the community safe is an important issue for the District. Impacts from off-leash dogs can range from little to very high consequences for people and the environment. In addition, the District is responsible for ensuring its bylaws remain up to date with changing times, complied with, and enforceable.
Public engagement on a set of proposed locations was conducted in 2019, however in 2020 the emerging COVID-19 pandemic forced staff to focus on other priorities. Since public engagement in 2019, staff narrowed down the original proposed options based on wildlife interface and access issues to develop additional new sites to propose to the community for public feedback.
The District reviewed all feedback to date regarding dog off-leash areas and considered factors such as:
The District will do a full review of the Animal Control Bylaw in 2022 as part of the ongoing work on the off-leash dogs process.
Spring 2022: Anticipated opening of the some of the off-leash dog pilot locations
Fall 2021: Public survey on an updated list of proposed off-leash dog locations. Based on the feedback received, Council endorsed a plan to move forward with four locations as a pilot project. Council also directed staff to conduct engagement to find a downtown off-leash dog location.
May 2021: District staff began reviewing past public feedback, as well as internal engagement with staff (Parks, Planning, Wildlife, Environment, and Bylaw Enforcement) and agency stakeholders (RCMP and BC Conservation Office) on the proposed dog off-leash locations and the draft Animal Control Bylaw
March 2020: As the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, Bylaw Enforcement staff turned their focus to emerging priorities. The project was placed on hold until 2021.
February 2020: The District of Squamish podcast, District B-Sides, aired a podcast discussing off leash dogs in Squamish. Listen to the podcast here.
October 2019: Online comment period open for those who could not attend the open house.
September 2019: Open house held to review the suggested locations and times, owner responsibility conditions, and updates to the bylaw. (View the poster boards)
April-May 2019: Online survey to gather community input into dog off-leash areas and owner responsibility conditions.
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Comments
Glenn Stainton Mar 5, 2021, 8:57 AM (4 years ago)
I agree with the comments here that off leash hours are too restrictive. Many owners use their lunch hours to walk and exercise their dogs and this needs to be accommodated. I believe council is listening to the vocal few complainers in the community regrading dogs being off leash. I have been in Squamish 30+ years now the vast majority of us are walking our dogs off leash without issues. If you want compliance you need greater opening hours including in the mid day
Garrett Mar 4, 2021, 7:11 PM (4 years ago)
Looking forward to some official off-leash dog areas, without any time restrictions. And preferably without the District spending any money. I don't think it needs to be this complicated. Just designate some areas and call it good. No need to discuss any further, no need to wait any longer, and no need to build any infrastructure.
Hailey Sep 22, 2021, 9:31 PM (4 years ago)
It does need to be this ‘complicated’ - it’s a negotiation. People need spaces to be too, not just dogs.
Sarah Chambers Mar 4, 2021, 2:18 PM (4 years ago)
I'd like to add my support to the project. We desperately need more off-leash areas for the many energetic dogs of Squamish to play, exercise and socialize. I would also support increasing the hours these areas are available for off-leash use.
Anne-Marie Mar 1, 2021, 12:01 PM (4 years ago)
Any news on this pilot project ?! It's been 2 years and still nothing. There are tons of dogs in town and still no options at all for off-leash area for dog owners. Meanwhile, bylaw is fining owners that let their dogs off-leash even in historically dog friendly spots. We need options !
Communications Mar 1, 2021, 2:58 PM (4 years ago)
Hi Anne-Marie. This project is still moving forward and will be going back to Council this Spring.
Tricia Boer Mar 1, 2021, 11:47 AM (4 years ago)
We need this so badly! With all the over-development of Squamish now, with even more people and their dogs moving to Squamish - we need designated place(s) for dogs to be able to be off leash. It is not right that people with good recall of their well behaved dogs be punished with steep fines because their dogs are innocently playing in a park (which is extremely important for the mental health and physical well-being of a dog. Please, please - take a break with developing Squamish into a little squished city with no trees left and build us (the people who actually live here) some dog parks.
Jim Hill Jul 9, 2020, 7:20 AM (5 years ago)
We are very excited for the implementation of the off-leash dog areas and hope council approves soon!
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