A new off-leash area (OLA) for dogs is coming to Pelmo 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.
Project Timeline
- Summer 2024: Hire a design team
- Fall 2024: Community engagement
- Winter 2025: Design development and detailed design
- Spring 2025: Hire a construction team
- Summer 2025: Construction starts
- Fall 2025: Construction complete
The timeline is subject to change.
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Project Updates
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
