Pop-Up Dog Parks

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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


Weather Update

April 10th, 2024

Due to rain, today and tomorrow's pop-up dog park consultations have been rescheduled!

Cornell Community Park (319 William Forster Road) will now be on Monday, April 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Berczy Park South (432 Wilfred Murison Avenue) will now be on Tuesday, April 16 from 7 to 9 AM.


Un-leash Your Ideas at the Pop-up Dog Park Consultations
Coming to a Dog Off-Leash Area Near You!

April 4th, 2024

Attention, Markham residents! Are you a tail-wagging dog owner or a dog lover? We want to hear from you! Join us for our Pop-Up Dog Park Consultations next week, held at the listed off-leash dog areas in Markham.

Have the chance to share your paw-some thoughts about Markham's dog off-leash areas, engage with interested members of your community, and learn more about Markham's Off-Leash Dog Area Policy and Implementation Plan.

Help us create a dog-friendly community that works for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to have your bark heard!

The City of Markham is pleased to announce the 2023 Pop-up Off-Leash Dog Area Pilot Program!

We are excited to introduce this special pilot program that will create short-term locations for off-leash dog areas where dogs can play, exercise, and socialize. The first priority is that these Pop-Up Dog Parks are safe for all users.

Reminder: All dog owners should take a moment to become familiar with the City of Markham's Off-Leash Dog Park Code of Conduct and the Dog Owners Liability Act.

Wildlife Alert: Please read the wildlife alert regarding foxes and coyotes.

Winter Update: Please read the winter update regarding pathway maintenance.

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!


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


Weather Update

April 10th, 2024

Due to rain, today and tomorrow's pop-up dog park consultations have been rescheduled!

Cornell Community Park (319 William Forster Road) will now be on Monday, April 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Berczy Park South (432 Wilfred Murison Avenue) will now be on Tuesday, April 16 from 7 to 9 AM.


Un-leash Your Ideas at the Pop-up Dog Park Consultations
Coming to a Dog Off-Leash Area Near You!

April 4th, 2024

Attention, Markham residents! Are you a tail-wagging dog owner or a dog lover? We want to hear from you! Join us for our Pop-Up Dog Park Consultations next week, held at the listed off-leash dog areas in Markham.

Have the chance to share your paw-some thoughts about Markham's dog off-leash areas, engage with interested members of your community, and learn more about Markham's Off-Leash Dog Area Policy and Implementation Plan.

Help us create a dog-friendly community that works for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to have your bark heard!

The City of Markham is pleased to announce the 2023 Pop-up Off-Leash Dog Area Pilot Program!

We are excited to introduce this special pilot program that will create short-term locations for off-leash dog areas where dogs can play, exercise, and socialize. The first priority is that these Pop-Up Dog Parks are safe for all users.

Reminder: All dog owners should take a moment to become familiar with the City of Markham's Off-Leash Dog Park Code of Conduct and the Dog Owners Liability Act.

Wildlife Alert: Please read the wildlife alert regarding foxes and coyotes.

Winter Update: Please read the winter update regarding pathway maintenance.

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!


  • Coyote Sightings

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    Under the Dog Owner’s Liability Act and the City’s Animal Protection and Services By-law 2018-91, all pet owners are responsible for care and control of their pets – this includes keeping them safe.

    When visiting a Pop-Up Dog Park:

    • Keep your dog on a short leash until inside the off-leash area
    • Do not feed coyotes
    • Put all trash in the garbage bins


    Domestic pet management is a critical part of successfully reducing human-coyote conflict in the City. Learn more at markham.ca/wildlife

  • Wildlife Alert

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    Foxes and coyotes are adaptable intelligent animals that can be found in rural and urban areas throughout Ontario. They are often found near ravine systems, large grassy fields, and large parks; small mammals are a main staple in their diet.

    Foxes and coyotes are an important part of our shared, local ecosystems. By understanding their behaviour, we can learn to coexist peacefully and even develop a deeper appreciation for our wild neighbours. Typically, foxes and coyotes are unlikely to initiate contact with people. But we understand, occasionally, they get too close for comfort.

    Limiting human food sources is the best way to prevent encounters with these animals - but, most importantly, to help keep them wild:

    • Do not put out food for animals.
    • Keep waste in secure bins or store bins in a secure building or container.
    • Do not put waste bins out until the morning of pick-up.
    • Make sure outdoor compost containers are wildlife-proof.
    • Remove fallen fruit from trees and scattered bird seed from feeders.
    • Keep pet food inside, and do not leave small pets outdoors unattended.


    If you do encounter a coyote who does not run away immediately, you can do the following:

    • Make noise, yell, clap your hands, stomp and wave your arms.
    • Do not approach the animal.
    • Carry a whistle or noisemaker if you are walking in known habitat areas.


    If you find that the animal is sick or injured, please report it to our wildlife service provider, by calling 905-415-7531. It is also important to keep your furry family members safe. Keep your cats or small dogs indoors or supervised outside. Walk your dogs on a leash and do not leave them out unattended.

Page last updated: 08 May 2024, 12:31 PM