Pelmo Park New Off-Leash Area

Stop by Pelmo Park on September 11, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. to see the proposed off-leash area design and share your thoughts.

A new 1,500 m2 off-leash area for dogs is coming to Pelmo Park, proposed to replace the ball hockey pads at the north end of the park. The off-leash area 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 off-leash area and a bottle filler with a dog bowl.

    • Fall 2024: Hire a design team
    • Summer 2024 to Fall 2025: Community engagement and design development
    • Winter 2026: Hire a construction team
    • Spring 2026: Construction starts
    • Summer 2026: Construction complete

    The timeline is subject to change.

    Pop-Up Event

    Visit the pop-up to review the proposed design for the new off-leash area and provide feedback in person.

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    April 2025

    Online Survey

    From April 1 to April 15, an online survey collected 209 responses with feedback on two proposed design options for the new off-leash area. Of those who responded, 84 per cent were dog owners and 56 per cent lived nearby and visited the park regularly. Most respondents (66 per cent) lived within one kilometre of the park.

    Feedback Summary

    43 per cent of respondents preferred Option A, 39 per cent preferred Option B, 10 per cent had no preference, and 8 per cent did not like either option.

    The most important design feature rated higher than a shade structure is a dog drinking fountain. Design features were ranked as follows:

    • Shade structure: 83 per cent for both Options A and B.
    • Dog drinking fountain: 85 per cent (Option A), 81 per cent (Option B); some respondents raised concerns about sanitation.
    • Though not presented as an option, several respondents suggested including a separate small dog area.

    Many respondents provided specific feedback on:

    • A desire for more shade and natural features, such as trees.
    • Concerns about the OLA’s location, particularly its proximity to homes, schools and playgrounds.
    • Requests for improved surfacing materials, such as wood chips instead of artificial turf or pebbles.
    • Suggestions for improved visibility and layout, including seating placement and the location of agility equipment.

          Summer 2024

          Online Thought Exchange Activity

          From July 22 to August 7, an online thought exchange activity collected 501 ideas and 7,750 ideas ratings from 557 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:

          • 67 per cent of participants preferred Area 1
          • 33 per cent of participants preferred Area 2

          If an off-leash area was added at Pelmo Park:

          • 75 per cent of participants would use it
          • 25 per cent of participants would not use it
          • Seven per cent would start visiting the park
          • 66 per cent would visit the park more
          • 11 per cent would visit the park less
          • Four per cent would stop visiting the park
          • 11 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 Pelmo Park or had any objections or concerns:

          • 80 per cent of participants were in favour of adding an off-leash area
          • 11 per cent were not in favour of adding an off-leash area

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

          • The large number of dogs in the area
          • The lack of off-leash areas nearby
          • The large number of off-leash dogs in the park and their proximity to kids and other park users
          • A place for dogs to exercise and stay healthy
          • A place for both dogs and their owners to socialize

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

          • It will be too close to the playground, splash pad, sports fields/courts, school, or highway
          • Coyotes in the area may attack dogs (ensure fencing is tall enough to prevent coyotes from entering off-leash area)
          • Dogs will attack, injure or spread disease to other dogs
          • Dog owners will not supervise or control their dogs
          • Dog owners will not clean up after their dogs
          • Dog owners will continue to let their dogs off-leash in other areas of the park
          • It will make the park less safe for park users, especially kids
          • The ball hockey court will be removed if Area 1 is selected

          Other popular thoughts included:

          • Ensure the off-leash area is large enough to allow dogs to exercise and to accommodate the large number of dogs in the area
          • Avoid gravel as it can cause dogs pain and discomfort
          • Include a water station for dogs to stay hydrated
          • Create separate sections for large and small dogs
          • Include shaded areas
          • Include a fenced pathway for off-leash dogs