Park Board opens its latest off-leash area for city's growing pup-ulation
Vancouver’s canine community can enjoy more space to stretch their legs following the opening of a new dog off-leash area (OLA) at Heather Park in South Cambie.
“The opening of our new off leash area marks another exciting milestone in our commitment to growing dog-friendly spaces across Vancouver,” says Park Board Chair Laura Christensen. “Our People, Parks and Dogs Strategy highlights the importance of building a varied network of off-leash areas throughout the city that meet the needs of all park users, including those with and without dogs. We're thrilled to welcome Vancouver’s four-legged community and their owners to Heather Park!”
The Heather Park OLA increases access for dog off-leash activity in two underserved neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant and Fairview. The area’s design was shaped by feedback from over 1,300 people who participated in two rounds of public engagement.
The 1,200 sq.m OLA offers a large open space for dogs to explore, as well as a series of agility features, including a ramp, stepping stones and hurdles. Additional seating will offer a place for owners to relax while their pups let off steam and two- and four-legged visitors will also have access to a new drinking fountain and dog bowl.
The Park Board adopted the People, Parks, and Dogs Strategy in 2017 as a framework for the delivery of well-planned and designed parks that meet the needs of both dog owners and non-dog owners.
The strategy outlines the benefits of increasing the number of OLAs across the city, particularly in fostering community, supporting healthy activity and social wellbeing and reducing potential conflict between park users.
Good things in the works for our canine community
The opening of Heather Park OLA marks the start of an exciting few months for Vancouver’s dog-owning community. Later this summer, work is anticipated to be completed on the construction of a new OLA at Granville Park in Fairview and the renewal and expansion of Downtown’s Emery Barnes Park OLA. All three projects were approved by the Park Board in June 2023.
Construction is also underway on new OLAs at the new park at Oakridge Centre and the renewed General Brock Park.
Responsible dog ownership
Dogs are welcome in all of Vancouver's parks and must be on a leash unless they are in a designated dog OLA. Dogs are only allowed at beaches with designated OLAs.
All dogs and service dogs over three months of age must have a license which should be renewed annually. Visit vancouver.ca/home-property-development/licensing-your-dog to find out more.