

What you need to know
We adopted the People, Parks, and Dogs Strategy PDF file (6 MB) in October 2017 to help create safe and engaging park spaces for people with and without dogs.
Off-leash area renewal and proposed expansion at Emery Barnes Park
We’re planning a full renewal and potential expansion of the off-leash area at Emery Barnes Park.
Round 2 of public engagement ran from April 20 to May 18 and the engagement summary is now available.
Proposed off-leash areas at Heather and Granville Parks
To improve access to dog off-leash areas in Kitsilano, Fairview, and Mount Pleasant, we are proposing new, fenced off-leash areas at both Heather Park and Granville Park.
Round two of public engagement ran from April 27 to May 18, and has now concluded. Staff are compiling feedback, and an engagement summary will be posted on the project pages when available.
Learn more about the
Heather Park proposal Learn more about the
Granville Park proposal
John Hendry Park renewal plan approved by Park Board
The John Hendry Park Renewal Plan was approved in May 2022. The plan will see the dog off-leash area remain in its current location, its boundaries will be clearly defined, and amenities added (for example, signage, dog wash station, lighting in certain areas, seating) as per the People, Parks and Dogs Strategy.
Did you know?
Dogs are only allowed at the following beaches and must be in the designated off-leash areas:
- New Brighton Park (seasonal and time restrictions apply)
- John Hendry Park
- Spanish Banks Beach Park
- Sunset Beach Park
- Hadden Park (seasonal and time restrictions apply)
Get updates
Please confirm your subscription
Click the link in the email we just sent you.
Understanding Vancouver's dog off-leash areas
Our dog population is growing and so is the demand to recreate off-leash dog areas in our parks and public spaces.
The People, Parks, and Dogs strategy reviewed what is working well and what challenges are coming up in Vancouver’s off-leash areas. This review helps us identify what is most needed to support sharing limited park space and reduce conflicts.
How the strategy is guiding us
The People, Parks, and Dogs strategy PDF file (6 MB) provides a framework for the next ten years and beyond to deliver well-planned and designed parks that accommodate park users, with and without dogs.
The vision for the strategy is:
- To promote the comfort and safety of all park users by fostering responsible dog ownership through clarifying rules, boundaries, and etiquette for dog off-leash activities in parks.
- To integrate a variety of appealing and safe dog off-leash spaces in our parks that are easily accessed by local residents.
The recommendations fall within four themes.
What we are doing
Since the strategy was adopted in October 2017, we have been working towards implementing all of the recommendations.
Check out our current off-leash area projects around Vancouver.
Other resources
Dog off-leash areas
Find all of Vancouver’s dog parks and off-leash areas, whether in your neighbourhood or along the water.
Dog waste collection
Learn more about the pilot dog waste collection program and how it aligns with the Zero Waste goal.
Responsible dog ownership
Owning a dog is a happy experience, but it's a lot of responsibility too. Find out everything that you will have to do if you own a dog.
Suggest a new park feature or amenity
Our Park Development and Planning teams review suggestions on a regular basis to see how they align with capital funding and planning strategies.

Full report and supporting documents
Contact us
Give feedback about a park, community centre, pool, rink, or other Park Board facility.