Local Off-Leash Dog Area Strategy Project Updates

Find the latest local off-leash dog area strategy updates below. 

In 2022, construction of four off-leash dog areas was completed at the following parks:

 

In 2023, construction at the following off-leash dog area was completed at the following park:

 

A new fenced in primary off-leash dog area is coming to Mackenzie Valley Park in Ward 2! 

 

Construction is underway at Mackenzie Valley Park, located at 5581 Major Mackenzie Drive (the southeast corner of Major Mackenzie Drive and Highway 27) for the city’s second primary off-leash dog area complementing the existing primary location at Concord/Thornhill Regional Park. 

 

This new off-leash dog area will include separate, fenced-in areas for large and small dogs, a parking lot with approximately 30 to 35 spaces, accessible pathways, shade structures and a gathering area with seating. It will be approximately one hectare (2.5 acres) in size. Construction will continue through September-November for completion on or before November 15th. The concept Plan is available here: Concept Plan

 

From February 14 to March 7, 2023, the City of Vaughan invited residents to review the proposed site plans and provide feedback. Thank you to those who provided feedback. An Engagement Report (PDF) is available, summarizing the survey results and feedback collected from the community.  

 

Concord Thornhill Regional Park upgrades and improvements
 

Phase one of construction is complete and Vaughan’s first primary off leash dog area is now open to the public. This new park amenity includes separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, accessible pathways, seating, shade shelters, mulched surfacing in high use areas and large grass space for dogs to run free. Phase two of construction will be underway shortly and include work to improve accessibility and lighting. 

 

Construction work will commence on approximately October 2nd and include 3 separate construction stages.   

 

Stage One – October 2nd to October 8th 2024 will include a temporary shared-use dog park area and include the following closures:

 

  1. A small work area around each existing shade shelter and in the large dog open grass field
  2. Small dog park Area

 

Dog Park access will be available via the main gravel park path and through the large dog area access gate. During this time, a temporary shared use (combined large and small dog area) will be available.

 

Stage Two – October 9th to 17th 2024 will include a temporary shared-use dog park area and include the following closures:

 

  1. Main dog park access path
  2. Large dog park area
  3. Small dog park gate access 

 

Dog Park access will be available via an existing paved park path from the southeast and through a temporary access gate. During this time, a temporary shared use (combined large and small dog area) will be available. 

 

Phase Three – tentatively scheduled for October 21st to November 15th 2024 - Dog Park and main access path will be fully closed for the entire duration of this phase for the delivery and installation of light poles.

 

The dates above may change due to weather or other factors and will up updated as the project progresses through construction. 

 

For more information and mapping regarding public service disruption as part of this project, please visit The City's disruption & closures webpage. 

This is an aerial image of the off-leash dog park at Concord Thornhill Regional Park.

 

A new proposed location in Thornhill 

From March 22 to April 22, 2022, the City invited the community to review three potential locations for a new off-leash dog area in the Thornhill community and provide feedback on their desired location. Thank you to those who participated! In total, 1,115 community members provided their feedback. Read the Community Engagement Report (PDF) for a summary of the survey results and feedback collected, as well as next steps.  

 

Future locations 

  • The future Martin Tavares Park (122 Peter Rupert Avenue) will include local fenced-in off-leash dog areas to serve the Carrville Community planned for completion in 2024. 
  • A primary fenced-in off-leash dog area is being included in the planning of the future development of North Maple Regional Park.