Dog Park Survey & Best Practice Review
A “Review of Best Practices” was presented to Council November 18, 2024.
Development Services
The Review of Best Practices identifies strategies implemented by other local governments for managing off-leash areas (OLAs). A status summary for each of the OLAs at Millennium Park & Ponds is included, identifying areas with room for improvement. The review, along with the What We Heard Report, informed 8 potential actions that the City could undertake in the management of OLAs.
A “What We Heard” report was received by Council July 15, 2024. The report provides a summary of engagement and the feedback gathered will help verify concerns and understand how the dog parks at Millennium Parks & Ponds are functioning.
Background
The City’s dog parks were envisioned through the Millennium Park Master Plan, which was part of the 2011 Official Community Plan engagement process. Millennium Park & Ponds is located at 220 5th Street and borders the west side of the Columbia River, running from 3rd Street to roughly 10th Street. The dog parks are in the south end of Millennium Park & Ponds and feature fenced off-leash areas and a separate beach off-leash area.
Fenced Off-Leash Areas
The main off-leash area at Millennium Park & Ponds can be accessed via the parking lot on 5th Ave, between 6th and 7th Streets.
- fenced area for large dogs
- fenced area for small dogs
- fenced area for dogs of all sizes
- dog waste bags and waste disposal containers provided
- dog water fountains
- benches and picnic tables
- park rules sign
Beach Off-Leash Area
Please note that this area is currently a leash-only area.
A partially fenced beach off-leash area is located on city owned lands at Millennium Park & Ponds about 250 metres south of the parking lot located off 5th Ave, between 6th and 7th Streets.
- separate, partially fenced, designated swim area (look for signs at the far south end of the park)
- dog waste bags provided at the access gate
- park rules sign
Leashing
Dogs are required to be on-leash in all areas of Millennium Park & Ponds unless otherwise indicated by signage.
Hours
Millennium Park & Ponds is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.
Dog Park Rules
Park rules are set in accordance with Parks Administration Bylaw 698:
- All dogs must have current rabies and other vaccines as required by local law and wear a visible dog tag
- please control your dog at all times: aggressive behaviour is not allowed; do not leave your dog unattended in the park
- the dog park gate must be closed at all times
- all dogs must be leashed when preparing to leave and once outside
- 2 dog maximum per visitor
- please clean up after your dog: deposit all litter in trash receptacles provided
Not allowed in the park:
- no unattended dogs: all dogs must be supervised by persons of at least 16 years of age
- no sick dogs
- no dogs in heat: all un-neutered male dogs must be closely supervised
- no puppies under 4 months of age
- no people food
- no glass containers
- no spike or choke collars
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