Improve access to dog off-leash areas throughout the city.

Provide a variety of dog off-leash areas with clear and effective boundaries, and support the needs of people with and without dogs in parks with dog off-leash areas.

Support the success of dog off-leash areas through effective management, communication, and education.

We are dedicated to fostering off-leash area stewardship. E-mail parkstewards@vancouver.ca if your off-leash area community is interested in:

• Establishing a simple and direct means of communication between your community and Park Board staff. This connection would enable information sharing about community needs and concerns as well as park projects, plans, and activities
• A meeting or workshop to discuss ideas, priorities, challenges, and ask Park Board and City staff questions (including Operations, Park Rangers, and Animal Services teams)
• Hosting education talks with experts, such as animal welfare scientists on topics of interest like dog behaviour and health
• Hosting pet-friendly events to support community cohesion and connections

Improve compliance and enforcement for dog-related by-laws.

The historical pilot off-leash area at Burrard View Park became a permanent off-leash area in fall 2019.

In response to feedback received from our open house in early 2019, we modified the design by:

• Reducing the size of the OLA
• Using metal bollards to identify boundaries
• Updating signage
• Adding additional seating
• Installing a water fountain

This neighbourhood OLA will increase access in the Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood.

Downtown is one of six high priority areas currently underserved for off-leash area access. A pilot project at George Wainborn Park was recommended in the strategy to test an early morning-only off-leash area.

Due to other changes proposed for the park, we are completing a needs assessment and proposed design modifications to identify opportunities to locate a permanent off-leash area in the park.

Prior to any changes occurring at the park, a public engagement process will occur to gain community insight from park users and nearby residents. Sign up for updates below to be notified on any off-leash area projects.

The process to update the park master plan, that was paused in 2015 for the completion of the People, Parks, & Dog strategy has resumed. This will be the first opportunity to utilize the strategy to balance the needs of all park users, with and without dogs.

The People, Parks & Dogs strategy identified Grandview-Woodland as an underserved neighbourhood for off-leash activity.

The OLA at Pandora Park was approved December 2018 as a part of the Pandora Park Renewal - Phase 3.

Construction of a fully enclosed off-leash area including double gates, gravel walking paths, benches, and grass is underway with an anticipated opening in spring 2020.

Learn more:

• Full Pandora Park Phase 3 concept plan
• Pandora Park and Sports Court Upgrades - consultation summary PDF file (1.2 MB)
• Pandora Park new dog off leash area presentation PDF file (2.1 MB)

An underutilized parking lot was repurposed to support off-leash dogs in Renfrew Community Park.

This fenced off-leash area is testing various surface and design elements for people and dogs as outlined in the strategy. 

Learn more:

• Renfrew Ravine and Renfrew Community Parks Master Plan PDF file (16 MB)

The Park Board approved a fenced dog off-leash area with amenities as part of the Sunset Park Upgrade.

This fenced off-leash area was the first project to incorporate the strategy’s design guidelines which includes various surface materials, looping path, formal and informal seating, shade, and drinking water for people and dogs.

A new secure double gate adjacent to the seawall was installed summer 2018 to reduce conflict between users.