UPDATE: Markham Off-Leash Dog Area Policy Survey Closed
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey for the Draft Off-Leash Dog Area Policy and Background Study. The feedback received is integral to completing the final Policy and ensuring Markham's dog parks are safe, accessible and enjoyable to all residents.
UPDATE: Markham Off-Leash Dog Area Policy Review
We have an exciting opportunity for you to shape the future of our community's off-leash dog areas.
From January 29 to February 12, the City of Markham is inviting all residents to review and provide feedback on the Off-Leash Dog Area Policy. Your input is crucial in ensuring our dog parks are safe, enjoyable, and meet the needs of both our furry friends and their owners.
Why Your Feedback Matters
The Off-Leash Dog Area Policy is designed to create spaces where dogs can play, exercise, and socialize freely. By participating in this review, you help us understand what works best for you and your pets. Your feedback will directly influence the development and implementation of these areas, making them more effective and enjoyable for everyone.
Join the Conversation
Your voice is essential in creating a dog-friendly community that works for everyone. By participating in this review, you help us build a better environment for our pets and their owners. Don't miss this chance to have your say!
To review the policy, please review the Background Study and Draft Policy or click on the DRAFT Off-Leash Policy widget in the top right of the webpage to view the documents. Please provide your feedback on the DRAFT Off-Leash Dog Area Policy Survey for this very important project!
Markham Off-Leash Dog Area Open House on May 21st at Markham Civic Centre
May 7th, 2024
Hello, Markham residents! Are you interested in learning about the future of Markham’s off-leash dog areas? Do you want to have your voice heard?
On May 21st at Markham Civic Centre in the Canada Room and Great Hall, there will be an open house about Markham’s Off-Leash Dog Area Policy and Implementation Plan.
The session will focus on:
1. Project scope
2. Work completed to date
3. What we have heard and key issues
4. Opportunities and challenges
5. How to get involved and provide input
6. Next steps
This session will allow Markham residents to provide feedback on key issues and opportunities for Markham’s off-leash dog areas based on the research gathered for the Policy and Implementation Plan.
We are paws-itively excited to see you all there!
Where: Markham Civic Centre in the Canada Room and Great Hall
Address: 101 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON L3R 9W3
When: May 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Visiting a Pop-Up Dog Park right now?
Please take the Pop-Up Dog Park Survey:
During the pilot program, we want to hear from you! Your feedback is valuable in helping us make improvements, as we work to better understand what works best for you and your dog.
We encourage residents to create and/or log into your YourVoiceMarkham.ca account so you can complete the survey, and to learn more about this program. Residents are encouraged to fill out a survey each time they visit a Pop-Up Dog Park. Please note this survey is only for the Pop-Up Dog Parks (and not for existing off-leash dog areas).
As the pilot program progresses, Parks Planning, Operations, Animal Services, and your local Councillors will be monitoring the program to see how it's going. Parks Planning will review the lessons learned from this pilot program, which will then be used to develop a long-term plan for Off-Leash Dog Areas in Markham.
The purpose of the program is to give Markham residents more access to off-leash dog parks. We understand that dogs need space to exercise and have fun, and we want to provide that in a safe and controlled environment.
At each pilot site, we will set up special fencing to enclose the off-leash area. For the currently proposed pilot sites, there will be a separate area for small dogs and a separate area for large dogs. There will be a designated entrance area with double gates, signs to guide you, and garbage bins to help keep the area clean. Please do your part to help keep Markham beautiful.
Starting in the Summer of 2023, we will be setting up eight pilot sites across the City. Each site will be in a different ward, so there will be a convenient location for dog owners in every part of Markham. The Pop-Up Dog Parks selected for the pilot program include:
Ward - Pop-Up Dog Park | Address | Description | Amenities | Status |
Ward 1 - Cricklewood Park | | Located east of Yonge St and intended to service residents of high-rise buildings and homes within walking distance. | - No Parking Lot
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 11, 2023 |
Ward 2 - Victoria Square Park | | Located east of the Victoria Square Playground/Splash-pad. Closest intersection is Reflection Rd & Victoria Square Blvd. | - Street Parking
- Garbage Bins and Benches
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 13, 2023 |
Ward 3 - Monarch Park | | Located north of the baseball diamond and soccer field. | - Street Parking
- Garbage Bins and Benches
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 18, 2023 |
Ward 4 - Mintleaf Park | | Located north of the playground. Not located on School Property. | - Parking Lot (Please do not use the school parking lot)
- Garbage Bins
- Public Bathrooms
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 8, 2023 |
Ward 5 - Blodwen Davies Park | | Located east of Blodwen Davies Park playground and intended to service residents of homes within walking distance. | - No Parking Lot
- Garbage Bins and Benches
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 13, 2023 |
Ward 6 - Berczy Park South | | Located north of gazebo and south of Bur Oak Ave. | - Parking Lot
- Garbage Bins and Benches
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 18, 2023 |
Ward 7 - Aaniin Community Centre Park | | Located east of the Aaniin Community Centre. Please note Dogs are not permitted inside the community centre. | - Parking Lot
- Garbage Bins and nearby Shade Structure
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 8, 2023
|
Ward 8 - Ada Mackenzie Park | | Located east of parking lot and south of shade structure. | - Parking Lot
- Garbage Bins and nearby Shade Structure
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 15, 2023 |
The Pop-Up Dog Parks are open between the hours of 6 AM and 11 PM. Dog Parks are open every day of the week unless closed for maintenance.
Parks Planning staff have chosen these pilot sites carefully based on a site selection criteria to make the spaces dog-friendly. By testing these locations, we can determine if they will be suitable for permanent off-leash facilities in the future.
We hope you enjoy the 2023 Pop-up Off-Leash Dog Area Pilot Program. It's an exciting opportunity to provide more space for dogs to play and explore safely. Thank you for being a part of making Markham a dog-friendly city!
UPDATE: Markham Off-Leash Dog Area Policy Survey Closed
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey for the Draft Off-Leash Dog Area Policy and Background Study. The feedback received is integral to completing the final Policy and ensuring Markham's dog parks are safe, accessible and enjoyable to all residents.
UPDATE: Markham Off-Leash Dog Area Policy Review
We have an exciting opportunity for you to shape the future of our community's off-leash dog areas.
From January 29 to February 12, the City of Markham is inviting all residents to review and provide feedback on the Off-Leash Dog Area Policy. Your input is crucial in ensuring our dog parks are safe, enjoyable, and meet the needs of both our furry friends and their owners.
Why Your Feedback Matters
The Off-Leash Dog Area Policy is designed to create spaces where dogs can play, exercise, and socialize freely. By participating in this review, you help us understand what works best for you and your pets. Your feedback will directly influence the development and implementation of these areas, making them more effective and enjoyable for everyone.
Join the Conversation
Your voice is essential in creating a dog-friendly community that works for everyone. By participating in this review, you help us build a better environment for our pets and their owners. Don't miss this chance to have your say!
To review the policy, please review the Background Study and Draft Policy or click on the DRAFT Off-Leash Policy widget in the top right of the webpage to view the documents. Please provide your feedback on the DRAFT Off-Leash Dog Area Policy Survey for this very important project!
Markham Off-Leash Dog Area Open House on May 21st at Markham Civic Centre
May 7th, 2024
Hello, Markham residents! Are you interested in learning about the future of Markham’s off-leash dog areas? Do you want to have your voice heard?
On May 21st at Markham Civic Centre in the Canada Room and Great Hall, there will be an open house about Markham’s Off-Leash Dog Area Policy and Implementation Plan.
The session will focus on:
1. Project scope
2. Work completed to date
3. What we have heard and key issues
4. Opportunities and challenges
5. How to get involved and provide input
6. Next steps
This session will allow Markham residents to provide feedback on key issues and opportunities for Markham’s off-leash dog areas based on the research gathered for the Policy and Implementation Plan.
We are paws-itively excited to see you all there!
Where: Markham Civic Centre in the Canada Room and Great Hall
Address: 101 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON L3R 9W3
When: May 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Visiting a Pop-Up Dog Park right now?
Please take the Pop-Up Dog Park Survey:
During the pilot program, we want to hear from you! Your feedback is valuable in helping us make improvements, as we work to better understand what works best for you and your dog.
We encourage residents to create and/or log into your YourVoiceMarkham.ca account so you can complete the survey, and to learn more about this program. Residents are encouraged to fill out a survey each time they visit a Pop-Up Dog Park. Please note this survey is only for the Pop-Up Dog Parks (and not for existing off-leash dog areas).
As the pilot program progresses, Parks Planning, Operations, Animal Services, and your local Councillors will be monitoring the program to see how it's going. Parks Planning will review the lessons learned from this pilot program, which will then be used to develop a long-term plan for Off-Leash Dog Areas in Markham.
The purpose of the program is to give Markham residents more access to off-leash dog parks. We understand that dogs need space to exercise and have fun, and we want to provide that in a safe and controlled environment.
At each pilot site, we will set up special fencing to enclose the off-leash area. For the currently proposed pilot sites, there will be a separate area for small dogs and a separate area for large dogs. There will be a designated entrance area with double gates, signs to guide you, and garbage bins to help keep the area clean. Please do your part to help keep Markham beautiful.
Starting in the Summer of 2023, we will be setting up eight pilot sites across the City. Each site will be in a different ward, so there will be a convenient location for dog owners in every part of Markham. The Pop-Up Dog Parks selected for the pilot program include:
Ward - Pop-Up Dog Park | Address | Description | Amenities | Status |
Ward 1 - Cricklewood Park | | Located east of Yonge St and intended to service residents of high-rise buildings and homes within walking distance. | - No Parking Lot
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 11, 2023 |
Ward 2 - Victoria Square Park | | Located east of the Victoria Square Playground/Splash-pad. Closest intersection is Reflection Rd & Victoria Square Blvd. | - Street Parking
- Garbage Bins and Benches
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 13, 2023 |
Ward 3 - Monarch Park | | Located north of the baseball diamond and soccer field. | - Street Parking
- Garbage Bins and Benches
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 18, 2023 |
Ward 4 - Mintleaf Park | | Located north of the playground. Not located on School Property. | - Parking Lot (Please do not use the school parking lot)
- Garbage Bins
- Public Bathrooms
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 8, 2023 |
Ward 5 - Blodwen Davies Park | | Located east of Blodwen Davies Park playground and intended to service residents of homes within walking distance. | - No Parking Lot
- Garbage Bins and Benches
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 13, 2023 |
Ward 6 - Berczy Park South | | Located north of gazebo and south of Bur Oak Ave. | - Parking Lot
- Garbage Bins and Benches
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 18, 2023 |
Ward 7 - Aaniin Community Centre Park | | Located east of the Aaniin Community Centre. Please note Dogs are not permitted inside the community centre. | - Parking Lot
- Garbage Bins and nearby Shade Structure
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 8, 2023
|
Ward 8 - Ada Mackenzie Park | | Located east of parking lot and south of shade structure. | - Parking Lot
- Garbage Bins and nearby Shade Structure
- Separated Small Dog Area & Large Dogs Area
| Opened: September 15, 2023 |
The Pop-Up Dog Parks are open between the hours of 6 AM and 11 PM. Dog Parks are open every day of the week unless closed for maintenance.
Parks Planning staff have chosen these pilot sites carefully based on a site selection criteria to make the spaces dog-friendly. By testing these locations, we can determine if they will be suitable for permanent off-leash facilities in the future.
We hope you enjoy the 2023 Pop-up Off-Leash Dog Area Pilot Program. It's an exciting opportunity to provide more space for dogs to play and explore safely. Thank you for being a part of making Markham a dog-friendly city!
