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 Giovanni Caboto Park in Ward 3

Giovanni Caboto Park, located at 75 Matthew Dr., has been selected for a fenced off-leash dog area in Ward 3, Block 37. Based on public input, this area was chosen as the best location for a new off-leash dog area for a variety of reasons including safety and security; location; proximity to residential areas, play areas and sports fields, number of residents served; as well as accessibility; parking; pedestrian circulation; and site design (e.g. drainage, grading, vegetation, microclimate).

This new local off-leash dog area will serve dogs of all sizes, with separate fenced spaces for large and small breeds. New fencing, signage, pathway connections, equipment, amenities and waste bins will be installed. Select areas of the park will be closed during construction of the off-leash dog area. 

 

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.
• 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.