Old Sheppard Park Off-Leash Area

The off-leash area project in Old Sheppard Park will not be proceeding.

The City proposed a new 750 m2 dogs off-leash area in the northeast section of Old Sheppard Park. However, based on community feedback collected in January 2025, the project will not move forward.

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Project Updates

March 2025

Project Cancelled

Following community feedback, the proposed off-leash area in Old Sheppard Park will not be proceeding. Thank you to everyone who participated.

January 2025

Online Survey

From December 12, 2024, to January 9, 2025, an online survey collected 457 responses on two proposed design options for the new off-leash area at Old Sheppard Park. 51 per cent of respondents were non-dog owners and 49 per cent were dog owners. A majority (62 per cent) live within 0.5 km of the park and 64 per cent visit the park daily or several times a week.

Feedback Summary
  • 48 per cent of respondents did not like any of the proposed designs for the off-leash area, 24 per cent liked Option A, 19 per cent liked Option B and 7 per cent had no preference.
  • The most important design feature was a Shade Structure (47 per cent). Design features were ranked as follows:
    • Shade structure: 47 per cent (Option A), 42 per cent (Option B)
    • Dog fountain: 42 per cent (Option A), 38 per cent (Option B)
    • Armour stones (seating): 24 per cent (both options)
  • Many respondents were concerned about the proposed location for the off-leash area, noting that Old Sheppard Park is too small and too close to homes and playgrounds.
  • Some respondents suggested additional amenities, such as separate areas for small and large dogs, more garbage bins and improved lighting.
  • Concerns were also raised about noise and safety, including barking and the proximity of dogs to the playground.

Design Options

Design Option A

This option features a 776 m2 off-leash area at the northeast corner of the park. The off-leash area is rectangular in shape and enclosed by a five-foot-tall paddle and post fence.

Design Option A features an off-leash located in the northeast corner of the park at the intersection of Old Sheppard Avenue and Brian Drive. There are two entrances/exits (release pens): one at the southeast corner and another at the northeast corner. A paved pathway runs the length of the OLA, connecting the two entrances/exits. Benches are placed along the pathway, with a shade structure featuring additional seating located at the midpoint. Tree plantings with surrounding benches are positioned in the southern and northern thirds of the OLA. The entire surface is turf. Amenities include waste bins, signage, and lighting at both entrances/exits. A doggy drinking fountain is located approximately 10 meters north of the southeast entrance/exit.

Design Option B

This option features a 734 m2 off-leash area at the northeast corner of the park. The off-leash area is rectangular in shape and enclosed by a five-foot-tall paddle and post fence.

Design Option B features an off-leash area located in the northeast corner of the park at the intersection of Old Sheppard Avenue and Brian Drive. The OLA is rectangular in shape and enclosed by a 5-foot-tall paddle and post fence. There are two entrances/exits (release pens): one at the southeast corner and another at the northwest corner. A paved pathway runs the outside west length of the OLA, externally connecting the two entrances/exits. There are two internal paths within the OLA, one to the north, and another to the south, parallel to each other. The pathways are dotted with benches, with a shade structure featuring additional seating located on the northern pathway only. Concept B contains a centrally planted tree area with surrounding benches. The entire surface is turf. Amenities include waste bins, signage, and lighting at both entrances/exits. A doggy drinking fountain is located approximately 10 meters east of the southeast entrance/exit. Concept B is slightly smaller in size to Concept A, in order to accommodate some existing trees in the northwest corner of the OLA, which would in event be moved to another area in Concept A.

December 2024

Virtual Public Meeting

On December 11, a virtual public meeting provided information about the proposed off-leash area at Old Sheppard Park.

Location of Off-Leash Area

An aerial map showing the location of the new off-leash area at the northeast side of Old Sheppard Park near the intersection of Old Sheppard Road and Brian Drive. The off-leas area is east of the existing fitness areas and play area.