Local Off-Leash Dog Area Strategy Project Updates

Find the latest local off-leash dog area strategy updates below. 

In 2022, construction of four off-leash dog areas was completed at the following parks:

 

In 2023, construction at the following off-leash dog area was completed at the following park:

 

A new fenced in local off-leash dog area is now open at Giovanni Caboto Park!

Construction of the off-leash area in Chancellor District Park was approved and scheduled to begin in the summer of 2022. However, in August 2022, additional consultation with residents adjacent to the park was conducted. As a result, in September 2022, Vaughan Council passed a resolution to review an alternative location for a local off-leash dog area at Giovanni Caboto Park. For details, view the Committee of the Whole (2) Report: Member’s Resolution (PDF). 

 

From Jan. 18 to Feb. 7, 2023, the City invited the community to participate in an online survey to review three potential design options for the proposed local off-leash dog area in Giovanni Caboto Park, located at 75 Matthew Dr. Read the Engagement Report (PDF) to learn more about the survey results and feedback collected from the community. 

 

Staff prepared a report based on community feedback received from the online survey. On April 18, 2023 staff provided a report to the Committee of the Whole that included a summary of stakeholder/public engagement methods, the results of the online survey and a recommendation to proceed with implementing the location at Giovanni Caboto Park. On April 25, 2023, Council approved the recommendations of the report. For details, view the Council Report (PDF).  

 

Construction was completed in June 2023.

  

A new fenced in primary off-leash dog area is coming to Mackenzie Valley Park in Ward 2! 

Mackenzie Valley Park, located at 5581 Major Mackenzie Drive (the southeast corner of Major Mackenzie Drive and Highway 27) has been selected for a fenced-in primary off-leash dog area. 

 

This new off-leash dog area will include separate, fenced-in areas for large and small dogs, a parking lot with approximately 30 to 35 spaces, shade structures, lighting and a gathering area with seating. It will be approximately one hectare (2.5 acres) in size. Once complete, this primary off-leash location will be the second in Vaughan, complementing the existing primary location at Concord/Thornhill Regional Park. 

 

From February 14 to March 7, 2023, the City of Vaughan invited residents to review the proposed site plans and provide feedback. Thank you to those who provided feedback. An Engagement Report (PDF) is available, summarizing the survey results and feedback collected from the community.  

 

Concord Thornhill Regional Park upgrades and improvements
Upgrades and improvements to the primary off-leash dog area at Concord Thornhill Regional Park are coming in spring 2024. The work includes: 

  • improving accessibility with a new asphalt pathway around the dog-off leash area.     
  • improving the drainage.     
  • adding shade with a new gazebo structure for each dog area.     
  • new accessible rest areas with benches.    
  • restoring the surfacing with mulch within the high use areas and seeding the outer areas.  
This is an aerial image of the off-leash dog park at Concord Thornhill Regional Park.

 

A new proposed location in Thornhill 

From March 22 to April 22, 2022, the City invited the community to review three potential locations for a new off-leash dog area in the Thornhill community and provide feedback on their desired location. Thank you to those who participated! In total, 1,115 community members provided their feedback. Read the Community Engagement Report (PDF) for a summary of the survey results and feedback collected, as well as next steps.  

 

Future locations 

  • The future Martin Tavares Park (122 Peter Rupert Avenue) will include local fenced-in off-leash dog areas to serve the Carrville Community planned for completion in 2024. 
  • A primary fenced-in off-leash dog area is being included in the planning of the future development of North Maple Regional Park.