The off-leash dog area at Matthew Park is now open!

June 2, 2022 10:00 a.m.
City of Vaughan
​Learn more about this off-leash area in Vaughan and how you can help keep it fun and safe
 

The City of Vaughan welcomes another local off-leash dog area for you and your furry friends to enjoy! The newest off-leash area is in Woodbridge, within Matthew Park at 1 Villa Royale Ave. 

The area welcomes dogs of all sizes, with separate spaces for large and small breeds. New fencing, signage, pathway connections, site furniture, rules of use signage and garbage bins have been installed. 

Learn more about this local off-leash area at vaughan.ca/DogPark. 

Keeping these pet-friendly areas safe

All off-leash dog areas in Vaughan are secured, fenced-in spaces where dogs and their families can get exercise outdoors, socialize and roam free – safely. Each of the City’s off-leash areas have a locked gate and is accessible only to those who want to enter. This fenced area is always separated from playgrounds and other park facilities. These spaces enable dogs, their families and park visitors to safely coexist and enjoy all that Vaughan’s outdoor amenities have to offer. To learn more, watch this video. 

Off-Leash Dog Area Stewardship Program

Do you want to be more involved in the City’s dog parks? Sign up to join the Off-Leash Dog Area Stewardship Program. Stewards will work with City staff to:

  • foster a positive social environment for dogs and people
  • educate others on local off-leash dog area regulations and etiquette
  • communicate any safety concerns
  • share feedback about operations and maintenance
  • review pilot studies and share input (identify what is working well or opportunities for improvement)

 To sign up, express your interest at vaughan.ca/DogPark. The City will contact all interested individuals with the next steps. 

More local off-leash dog areas are coming soon!

The City recognizes the value off-leash parks bring to dogs and their families. In June 2021, Council endorsed the Local Off-Leash Dog Area Strategy (PDF), which identified a need to find spaces for pets to roam free safely. After extensive public consultation, the following other local off-leash dog areas will open this summer:

  • Sugarbush Heritage Park, 91 Thornhill Woods Dr., Thornhill
  • Chancellor District Park, 430 Chancellor Dr., Woodbridge
  • Legion Park, 71 Legion Court Rd., Woodbridge

 For more information, visit vaughan.ca/DogPark. To read more about Off-Leash Zone Regulations, see the Animal Control By-law (PDF). 

For general Animal Services information, visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.

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