District seeking public feedback on updated list of proposed locations for off-leash dogs

The District of Squamish is conducting a survey to collect public feedback on an updated list of proposed pilot locations in Squamish for off-leash dogs, and a set of conditions owners must meet to use those locations. This is a continuation of a public engagement process that builds on previous feedback and aims to ensure harmony and safety across the community for dogs, dog owners, and non-dog owners alike. A survey in 2019 obtained feedback on a number of sites which were then adjusted and refined to address wildlife and sensitive habitats.  Results from this latest survey will inform a recommendation to Council later this fall.

Launch the survey.

The survey will remain open until October 12, 2021. Paper copies will be available at Municipal Hall and Brennan Park Recreation Centre, as well as in-person engagement opportunities at locations across Squamish. 

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. Success will be achieved when owners follow off-leash responsibility conditions.

Two categories of locations are being proposed:

 Off-leash areas may be fully fenced or partially fenced. The areas and trails may be subject to temporary and seasonal closures as needed for environmental, wildlife conservation, or maintenance reasons.  

Proposed Off-Leash Areas

Proposed Off-Leash Trails

 A map of all proposed areas is available online.

Proposed Conditions

Dog owners, or those responsible for a dog, will be required to meet the following proposed conditions to use off-leash dog locations:

It will be emphasized through signage that Squamish is a Bear Smart community that is surrounded by wildlife including bears, wolves, cougars, bobcats, and coyotes. People who choose to allow their dogs off-leash in these areas are doing so at their own risk. The District is not responsible for any harm caused to dogs by wildlife in off-leash areas or trails.

This is the next step in an ongoing public engagement process that was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic as Bylaw Enforcement staff turned their focus to emerging priorities. District of Squamish staff have taken the public feedback received in 2019 and, along with internal engagement, have reconsidered the original list of proposed off-leash dog locations with a focus on protecting sensitive habitats. 

The list of locations has not been reviewed by Council at this time. Feedback collected in the survey will be used to help inform a staff recommendation to Council later this fall about whether some or all of the proposed locations should move forward. Approved locations would run as a pilot project to see what works and how to make improvements over time before considering additional locations in the future.

A full review of the Animal Control Bylaw is planned in 2022 as part of the ongoing work on the off-leash process. 

Information and maps of the locations are available here

September 24, 2021

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Comments

  • Candace Schmidt Apr 29, 2022, 6:56 PM (23 months ago)

    I do not think that the whole dyke trail in Valleycliffe should be made off leash as it is used for other recreational purposes and not just for dogs. Valley drive area is used by the townhouse community as a back yard so to speak. Our kiddos ride bikes, play in the river and visit the beaver dam. I agree with Kathleen that the area should be fenced and marked and as remote as possible. If your going to do this on the Stawamus Dyke should be from the plateau entrance to the Mamquam River forest service road. I also feel your going from having not enough areas to way to many and your going to have issues policing just like you currently do with them being on leash.

  • Kathleen Jamieson Nov 11, 2021, 11:30 AM (2 years ago)

    Off leash ares must be fenced. The areas chosen should not use an entire dyke area exclusive to off leash. The best areas for this should be remote areas ie Mamquam dyke where
    not populated nearby. Fencing should allow all others access to walk, bike, jog by. Tynehead in Surrey, is an excellent example

  • Cathy Sep 25, 2021, 10:14 PM (3 years ago)

    I would like to see bylaws enforced. Definitely would like to see more off-leash areas in more parts of the district.
    As I was walking my dog in Feb 2020 in Brackendale, I was knocked flying by an off-leash Irish setter that ran at us, and I fell very badly. I got a spiral fracture in my left ankle, needed surgery the next day, and had a bar and five screws put in my ankle. I couldn't put any weight on it for three months, missed work, and needed to learn how to walk again after being in a wheelchair. Nineteen months later and I am still in physiotherapy (that is not covered by my current employer). Problems with my back as well as my ankle persist.
    It has been traumatic, and I am being treated for that also. I am in pain every day.
    There were no witnesses to the accident as it was early on a Sunday morning. The owner has never taken responsibility and tried to ignore me as I was flat out screaming for help. After a few minutes she finally came over and agreed to call an ambulance as I didn't have my phone. Later that day, she tried to blame my on-leash dog.
    I'll never forget how awful she was.
    I don't blame the dog, but it wasn't trained properly. Also, the incident was in the Brackendale Farmer's Group park, so the dog should have been on a leash. But there were no signs at the time, and people are very entitled and many do not respect rules put in place to keep people and other animals safe.
    I am available to talk to someone at the district if they have questions.

  • Caitlin Sep 25, 2021, 8:47 PM (3 years ago)

    I totally feel that this is necessary to do. Although, there is nothing stopping dog owners from having their dog off leash on every other path in Squamish. There is never any enforcement and aggressive off-leash dogs are almost expected on every trail in Squamish.

    I do not think this will help the issue considering there is no reason for owners to follow the rules on other paths. This just feels like a "bandaid" to the problem.

  • Kieselbach Tammy Sep 25, 2021, 2:07 PM (3 years ago)

    Stawamus River Dyke

  • Amy Sep 25, 2021, 10:06 AM (3 years ago)

    I personally would like to see more off leash trails here. I am a responsible dog owner and find it hard to find off leash trails in Squamish.

  • Annah Sep 24, 2021, 10:13 PM (3 years ago)

    I think that having an off leash park near the BMX park might be loud (dogs with prey drive)… Everything else sounds good.

  • Lauren Clarke Sep 24, 2021, 10:07 PM (3 years ago)

    Off leash dog areas are a great idea provided people follow the rules. I have experienced far too many dog owners in this town who don’t think it’s important to be a responsible owner. They seem to think the rules don’t apply to them. People who let their dogs roam off leash in public areas, don’t see any issues with their dog running up to a leashed dog and aggressive behaviour countless times. Then they won’t take any responsibility for their or their dogs behaviour. Everyone else follows the rules but they do whatever they like. Everyone is tired of it. So provided they follow the rules and clean up after their dog then great idea, but someone needs to implement the current bylaws and hold them accountable.

  • Doug Machell Sep 24, 2021, 8:42 PM (3 years ago)

    An off leash dog park next to the SEVA property is not a good idea . A loose dog getting on the horse field Woukd be a bad situation for both riders and horses ! I'm sure some if the other sites would be far more suitable!

  • Greg Sep 24, 2021, 6:41 PM (3 years ago)

    I do not think off leash trails are a good idea. This opens up Liability to the municipality for law suits. If a dog attacks another dog or even a person due to it being a dog doing dog things. The dog owner can not control there dog completely if it is not on a lead. Good luck with this Squamish.

    • Ann Sep 27, 2021, 9:16 PM (3 years ago)

      Greg, off leash parks and trails have been proven successful extensively in communities everywhere for many years. Dogs need to run off leash to get proper exercise and stay mentally and physically healthy. If reasonable off-leash options are not provided, dogs will end up randomly off leash in uncontrolled circumstances.

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