Toronto is a City that is blessed with almost 1,500 parks. However at this point in time, only 31 Dog Parks are available to meet the needs of Toronto Dog Owners and their approximately 250,000 pets. In the past, politicians and bureaucrats in some parts of the City have actively resisted attempts to establish off-leash areas. But in 2007 Toronto City Council finally passed post-amalgamation policies that harmonize off-leash application procedures City-wide. So now residents in the former Cities and Boroughs of Scarborough, East York, North York, York and Etobicoke should have the same opportunities to establish off-leash areas in their neighbourhoods that some Toronto residents have enjoyed for years. Is it working? Dog-owning residents need to get organized, identify areas that fit the criteria for off-leash use as set out in the policy, form an area Off-Leash Committee, and submit an application. If you are denied your off - leash area, don't dispair. Appeal the decision, make sure you have strength in numbers and a committed group, and don't back down!. It may not be a cake walk, but Toronto dog owners have been bullied and harassed for long enough. We need recognition and access to off-leash areas in every neighbourhood, so that we do not feel our only options are to contravene City Bylaws or go without. Denying dog owners off-leash areas does not solve anything.
If you are looking for an existing Off-Leash Committee or Dog Owners Association in your area, visit our resources page, which is being updated thas contact information is shared. All Dog Parks must have a Committee, to conform with policy requirements if they are to continue to exist. If there are currently no Dog Parks in your area of Toronto, contact the Parks Dept at 416 392-1606 or visit toronto.ca/parks/dogs.htm for help with application requirements.
Please note that dogs brought to off-leash areas must have a current Municipal Dog License attached to their collar, and must be under their handler's care and control at all times. (This means they must be within visual range, the Owner must being paying attention to them at all times, they must listen and obey, and come back when called) Dog Owners who do not comply with these requirements may be fined or be asked to leash up their dogs and leave the park. Dogs must not behave in an aggressive or intimidating manner, and Dog Owners are liable for injuries inflicted by their dogs pursuant to the Ontario Dog Owners Liability Act.
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Toronto Unleashed
Toronto's new Off-Leash Area Policy is causing undue friction and frustration
What can we do to get them to fix it?
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