Vancouver to get 2 new off-leash dog parks

Vancouver will be getting two new spaces for dogs to stretch their legs off-leash following a park board decision Monday.

In a news release, the City of Vancouver says the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation approved plans for two new off-leash areas at Heather Park in the South Cambie neighbourhood, and Granville Park in the Fairview neighbourhood.

The new area at Heather Park will be 1,200 square metres and will be located along the western edge of the park. It will offer “open running space” and “fun agility features for dogs.”

At Granville Park, there will be two off-leash spaces of 1,600 square metres and 600 square metres in size. The larger one will be on the southern portion of the park. The smaller space is intended for small or shy dogs.

Plans to expand off-leash areas at Emery Barnes Park downtown have also been approved. It will include an additional 200 metres of space for dogs to play in, along with more trees and shrubbery.

Tiina Mack, director of park planning and development for the board, says the city’s dog population is growing, prompting the need for more off-leash areas.

“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 wellbeing and reducing potential conflict between park users. We’re delighted to progress this important work and continue growing our network of dog-friendly greenspaces,” she said.

The city says the input of over 3,000 people was used to shape the plans for the parks.

Looking ahead, the board will look to prepare detailed designs and get quotes for construction costs.