Local Off-Leash Dog Area Strategy
The City of Vaughan recognizes the value local off-leash dog areas bring to dogs and their families. In June 2021, Council endorsed the Local Off-Leash Dog Area Strategy (PDF), which identified a need to find spaces for pets to safely roam free.
A new off-leash dog area is coming to Vaughan!
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.
For additional details about the new local and primary off-leash areas coming to your community, please visit the Project Updates webpage, just click on the icon at the bottom of this page.
Looking to visit an off-leash dog area in Vaughan?
The following locations are open to the public:
- Concord/Thornhill Regional Park, located at 299 Racco Pkwy.
- Undergoing improvements. Part of the off-leash area remains open for public use. Visit vaughan.ca/DisruptionsAndClosures to learn more.
- Giovanni Caboto Park, located at 75 Matthew Dr.
- Legion Park, located at 70 Legion Court Rd.
- Mackenzie Glen District Park, located at 220 Cranston Park Ave.
- Matthew Park, located at 1 Villa Royale Ave.
- Sugarbush Heritage Park, located at 91 Thornhill Woods Dr.
Keep off-leash areas safe
All off-leash dog areas in Vaughan are secured, fenced-in spaces where dogs and their families can get exercise outdoors, socialize and roam free – safely. Each of the City’s off-leash areas has a locked gate and is accessible only to those who want to enter.
This fenced area is always separated from playgrounds and other park facilities. These spaces enable dogs, their families and park visitors to safely co-exist and enjoy all that Vaughan’s outdoor amenities have to offer. To learn more about off-leash dog area safety and etiquette, watch this video.
