Gihon Spring Park New Off-Leash Area

A new off-leash area (OLA) for dogs is coming to Gihon Spring Park, proposed to be located at the north end of the park. The OLA will be designed with the help of community feedback and is planned to include a fence with a double-gated entrance/exit, durable dog-friendly surfacing, seating and picnic tables, an accessible pathway to the OLA and a bottle filler with a dog bowl.

    • Fall 2024: Hire a design team
    • February/March 2025: Community engagement
    • April 2025: Design development and detailed design
    • December 2025: Hire a construction team
    • Spring 2026: Construction starts
    • Summer 2026: Construction complete

    The timeline is subject to change.

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    May 2026

    Construction Starts

    Construction for the new off-leash area starts. This includes site removals, base preparation and the installation of underground services and the new shade shelter.

    Construction site with a partially built shade shelter in the centre, surrounded by excavated dirt. Construction equipment, including a truck, trailer and excavator, is parked nearby. The site is bordered by an open grassy field and trees in the distance.

    A shade shelter with a red roof and black posts under construction in a park, surrounded by dirt and graded ground. Safety fencing encloses the site. Trees and sports courts are visible in the background.

    March 2026

    Final Design

    The final design for the new off-leash area is available on this page.Rendered site plan of the preferred design for the Gihon Spring Park Off Leash Area. The plan shows two fenced dog zones—one for small dogs and one for large dogs—connected by accessible asphalt pathways. Features include grass surfacing, a gated carousel entry, waste station, shade shelter, 3 way water fountain, seating areas with benches and boulders, post and paddle fencing, a maintenance gate, and existing trees. The off leash area is located beside existing basketball courts, walkways, parking, and St. Angela Catholic School. Construction access and site boundaries are also marked

    1. Gated carousel
    2. Shade shelter (shade umbrella)
    3. Drainage system
    4. Garbage bins
    5. Grass surfacing
    6. Asphalt surfacing
    7. Three-way water fountain
    8. Post and paddle fencing
    9. Maintenance gate
    10. Seating
    11. Accessible path

    April 2025

    Online Survey

    From April 1 to April 15, an online survey collected 279 responses with feedback on two proposed design options for a new off-leash area. Of those who responded, 78 per cent were dog owners and 58 per cent lived nearby and visited the park regularly. Most respondents (73 per cent) lived within one kilometre of the park

    Summer 2024

    Online Thought Exchange Activity

    From July 22 to August 7, an online thought exchange activity collected 232 ideas and 3,677 idea ratings from 263 participants.

    Review a full summary of the results in the Online Thought Exchange Activity interactive report.

    Feedback Summary

    When asked about the proposed location of the off-leash area:

    • 63 per cent of participants liked the proposed location
    • 37 per cent of participants disliked liked the proposed location

    If an off-leash area was added at Gihon Spring Park:

    • 65 per cent of participants would use it
    • 35 per cent of participants would not use it
    • Six per cent would start visiting the park
    • 59 per cent would visit the park more
    • 19 per cent would visit the park less
    • 10 per cent would stop visiting the park
    • seven per cent would not change how often they visit the park

    When asked if they were in favour of adding an off-leash area at Gihon Spring Park or had any objections or concerns: 

    • 63 per cent of participants were in favour of adding an off-leash area
    • 26 per cent of participants were not in favour of adding an off-leash area
    • 11 per cent of participants shared other feedback

    The most popular thoughts that are in favour of adding an off-leash area included:

    • The lack of off-leash areas nearby
    • The large number of dogs in the area
    • A place for both dogs and their owners to socialize
    • A safe space for dogs to exercise and stay healthy
    • A fully fenced area will make the park safer for all users

    The most popular thoughts objecting or sharing concerns about adding an off-leash area included:

    • It will make the park less safe for other park users, especially kids
    • Dog owners are irresponsible and do not clean up after their dogs
    • It decreases the cleanliness of the park and adds health risks
    • Dogs are unpredictable and many are not well trained
    • Dogs can attack and injure other park users
    • Gihon Spring Park does not have enough space
    • Dogs can run away if they are not leashed

    Other popular thoughts included:

    • The proposed location is too close to a school
    • The off-leash area must be properly fenced
    • The off-leash area would be better at a different location
    • There should be separated off-leash areas for big and small dogs
    • Dog owners need to be responsible when using the off-leash area
    Date modified: June 1, 2026