Off-Leash Dog Locations in Squamish

This engagement has concluded.

The District of Squamish is piloting a series of off-leash dog locations in our community as well as set of dog owner responsibility conditions that dog owners must meet to use the off-leash locations.

There are two categories of off-leash dog locations:

Off-leash dog areas: will make use of the natural habitat and have open areas for ball throwing and socializing.

Off-leash dog trails: will allow dogs to run and get exercise over a greater distance with their owners.

The District is taking a phased approach to ensure off-leash dog locations are gradually introduced to the community so they can be piloted and tested for success.

The initial list of off-leash dog locations was open to feedback from September 24 - October 12, 2021. The complete map of off-leash dog locations discussed during the engagement period can be found here.

A summary report detailing what was heard during the engagement can be found here.

Based on the feedback received from Squamish residents during the engagement, Council endorsed a plan to move forward with the following off-leash dog locations as a pilot project:

Proposed Off-Leash Areas

John Hunter Park, Valleycliffe: This location will provide off-leash use in Valleycliffe, will be fully or partially fenced. Click for map

Brennan Park Fenced Dog Run: The Dog Run will be a new addition to the Brennan Park Recreation Centre lands, will be fully fenced, and located along the eastern edge of the gravel field (between the gravel field and the BMX track). Click for map

Proposed Off-Leash Trails

Merrill Park, Garibaldi Highlands: This is a forested park in the Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood and contains trails that will allow off-leash dogs. Click for map
Powerline Service Road, Brackendale: This is an existing trail in Brackendale that runs from Squamish Valley Road down to Depot Road under the BC Hydro right-of-way (does not extend to the forested trails on either side of the power lines right-of-way). Click for map

The first off-leash locations are expected to begin as a pilot in the Spring of 2022.

Council also directed staff to find a suitable pilot off-leash dog location Downtown. Stay tuned to this page and the District's communications channels for updates.

The conditions that dog owners, or people responsible for a dog, must meet in order to use the off-leash locations include:

Carry a dog leash which is visible at all times.
Ensure the dog is wearing a current valid dog licence.
Maintain a clean line of sight to the dog.
Immediately remove waste deposited by the dog and dispose of such waste in a garbage disposal bin.
Immediately leash the dog if the dog displays aggressive behaviour or otherwise unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of the off-leash area by any other person or dog.
Leash the dog if they encounter wildlife and do not allow the dog to harass any wildlife.
Do not allow off-leash dogs in sensitive habitats and spawning channels.
Do not have more than three (3) dogs at any time.
Understand that Squamish is Bear Smart and a community that is surrounded by wildlife of all kinds that could harm or kill a dog, and therefore, there is risk when using off-leash dog locations.

As part of the ongoing work on the off-leash dog process the District plans to do a full review of the Animal Control Bylaw in 2022.