Vancouver is getting three new & improved dog-friendly areas in city parks

Guess what, dog owners? Vancouver is officially on track to get three new and improved off-leash areas (OLAs), which means your furry pals will soon get to enjoy more freedom at a handful of city parks.

Designs for the dog-friendly areas were just approved by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, who put their stamp of approval on the following:

• The renewal and expansion of the existing off-leash area at Emergy Barnes Park 
• New off-leash area at Heather Park 
• New off-leash area at Granville Park 

“With Vancouver’s dog population growing, it’s more important than ever to balance the needs of our park visitors,” says Tiina Mack, Director of Park Planning and Development at the Vancouver Park Board. “We recognize the benefits of increasing the number of dog off-leash areas across the city, particularly in fostering community, supporting healthy activity and social well-being and reducing potential conflict between park users.”

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Each design was created with the feedback of over 3,000 participants in the public engagement process on how the City should use all three parks. Each project will help serve five priority neighbourhoods as identified by the Park Board’s People, Parks, and Dogs Strategy: Mount Pleasant, Fairview, Kitsilano, Downtown and the West End.

As for next steps, the Park Board will now begin preparing more detailed designs and construction packages for the three new OLAs.

“We’re delighted to progress this important work and continue growing our network of dog-friendly green spaces,” says Mack.

So there you have it, Vancouver! Stay tuned for further updates.