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 will incorporate the natural habitat and have open and treed areas suitable for ball throwing and socializing.
• Off-leash trails will allow dogs to run and get exercise over a greater distance with their owners. 

 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

• John Hunter Park, Valleycliffe: This location would provide off-leash use in Valleycliffe and would be fully fenced.
• Brennan Park Fenced Dog Run: The Dog Run would be a new addition to the Brennan Park Recreation Centre lands, would be fully fenced, and located along the eastern edge of the gravel field (between the gravel field and the BMX track). 

Proposed Off-Leash Trails

• Squamish River Dike, behind the Public Works Yard, Garibaldi Estates: This dike runs from the Mamquam River bridge at Government Road, north behind the Public Works Yard. 
• Stawamus River Dike, Valleycliffe: This dike trail runs from John Hunter Park with entrances from Valley Drive, Spruce Drive and Cedar Drive road ends. Dogs are to be leashed in spawning channel areas.
• Merrill Park, Garibaldi Highlands: This is a forested park in the Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood and contains trails that would allow off-leash dogs.
• Powerline Service Road, Brackendale: This is an existing gravel trail in Brackendale that runs from Depot Road to Squamish Valley Road under the BC Hydro right-of-way. The off-leash trail would not extend to the forested trails on either side of the powerlines right-of-way.
• Brennan Park Nature Trail: This trail currently exists and would allow off-leash dogs from the parking lot at the north end of Brennan Park Recreation Centre to the south end of the park at Finch Drive.

 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:

• 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 a Bear Smart 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.  

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