Pelmo Park New Off-Leash Area

Project Timeline

• 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.

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Project Updates

October 2025

Preferred Design

This final preferred design was developed through community engagement. The project will now move into the detailed design phase. The design team will finalize the design by working through the technical details and plans for the construction contractor.

1. Mulch surfacing
2. Shade structure with seating
3. Enclosed mulch tree area with seating
4. Dog drinking fountain
5. Release pens with waste bins at entry
6. Paved pathway and signage
7. Perimeter fencing
8. Maintenance double gate
9. New trees
10. Naturalization planting

September 2025

Public Meeting/Pop-Up Event

On September 11, 20 community members attended a public meeting at Pelmo Park Community Recreation Centre, hosted by the Councillor and the project team. The preferred design for the new off-leash area was shared through display boards and a brief presentation.. Participants asked questions and provided feedback on their preferences for the overall proposed design.

Feedback Summary

Participants were asked to use dot stickers to rate their level of satisfaction with various features and with the overall proposed design. The rating scale included very satisfied, satisfied, neutral, dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. Only the rating scale categories that had responses shown using dot stickers are shared below.

• Dog drinking fountain: two participants were very satisfied, 11 were satisfied.
• Shaded seating areas: eight participants were satisfied, three were neutral, one was very dissatisfied.
• Dog agility equipment: three participants were satisfied, seven were neutral, one was dissatisfied, six were very dissatisfied.
• Seating: six participants were satisfied and five were neutral.
• Tree and naturalization plantings: two participants were very satisfied, six were satisfied, one was neutral two were dissatisfied.
• Overall proposed off-leash dog area design: eight participants were satisfied, three were neutral, one was very dissatisfied.

Overall, most participants liked the overall proposed design, the dog drinking fountain, the shaded seating areas and tree and naturalization plantings. Participants generally liked the seating and generally disliked the dog agility equipment.

Some participants expressed concerns on sticky notes which are summarized below.

• Agility equipment: concerns about safety, preference for a larger overall off-leash area by removing some of the equipment, and preference for other agility equipment (such as weave poles and barrels).
• Mulch ground cover: concerns about safety, potential messiness, dogs eating the mulch, dog waste and potential odour.

Some participants shared the following additional suggestions:

• Post signage reminding users of City bylaws.
• Allot certain times for different needs (small dogs only, big dogs only, mixed use, commercial dog walkers) and post signage with the schedule.
• Include entrance and exit gates, and a secure release pen.
• Ensure good water pressure for the dog drinking fountain.
• Include a first aid kit for dogs and their owners.

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