Updated: June 2024
Background
On January 16, 2018, Regional Council approved Administrative Order 2017-013-OP to guide the designation of off-leash areas within municipal parks. Further information about the process of identifying and assessing sites is outlined in the staff report that accompanied the new Administrative Order.
A decision to designate a portion of a park as an off-leash area is subject to the approval of Regional Council and is assessed against the conditions in the Administrative Order. This process may include public consultation.
With the adoption of the Administrative Order, Regional Council directed that additional off-leash areas be considered within the communities of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Eastern Passage, and Spryfield.
Project Status
Dartmouth
On October 16, 2018 Regional Council approved the designation of a year-round dedicated (fully fenced) off-leash area within a portion of Don Bayer Park, 26 Troop Avenue. Further information about this is found within a Staff Report.
The construction of the off-leash area was completed in the fall of 2023. This off-leash area is now open.
Cole Harbour
The municipality is developing a park plan for the former Rehabilitation Centre Lands on Bissett Road, which includes the consideration of an off-leash area. Community engagement was completed in 2021. The park plan was approved by Regional Council on May 9, 2023. Further information about this can be found within the Staff Report. Detailed design work is currently underway.
Eastern Passage
On September 28, 2021, Regional Council approved the designation of a portion of Shearwater Flyer Park at 1340 Caldwell Road as a year-round (fully fenced) off-leash area. Further information about this is found within a Staff Report.
The design work for the off-leash areas was completed in 2023 and construction is planned for 2024.
Spryfield
On September 28, 2021, Regional Council approved the designation of a portion of Roaches Pond Ball Diamond Park at 610 Herring Cove Road as a year-round (fully fenced) off-leash area. Details are contained within a Staff Report and the minutes from the council session. The construction of the off-leash area, now known as McIntosh Run Off Leash Dog Park, was completed in the Summer of 2022. This off-leash area is now open.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact:
Mark Inness
Community Planner, Parks & Recreation
Phone: 902.2408525
Email: innessm@halifax.ca