Public input – Off-Leash Dog Area Policy

We’d like to hear from you! Please share your thoughts!

The City of Markham residents love dogs and want places for them to run off leash safely. The City of Markham must offer a fine balance between residents with and without dogs being mindful that some residents are not comfortable with dogs and no matter what, dogs can be unpredictable. Recently in the news, we have heard about off leash dog attacks in some GTA parks. Dogs are not permitted off leash unless they are in a dog off leash area. For your review, Animal Protection and Services By-Law 2018-91, the Dog Owners Liability Act.

As permanent dog parks take time to build, our Urban Design team were excited to install 8 POP UP temporary dog parks last summer, one in each of the City’s 8 Wards. During the pilot program, staff wanted to hear from you! Your feedback was valuable in helping make improvements, as staff worked to better understand what works best for you and your dog. Residents were encouraged to complete a survey on the YourVoiceMarkham.ca site. In addition, Consultants met with Councillors to expand on their research.

Parks Planning chose the 8 pilot sites carefully based on a site selection criteria to make the spaces dog-friendly. By testing these locations, they will determine if these locations are suitable for permanent off-leash facilities in the future. The future is NOW, Consultants will be in a number of the Pop Ups to speak with dogs, well their owners, and get feedback. Cornell is fortunate to have one of the first permanent sites and Consultants look forward to meeting you next week Thursday, April 11 (2-4pm), 319 William Forster Road but if you are not available, see the other locations and dates! Our dogs are counting on you!