A local off-leash dog area is coming to Giovanni Caboto Park

Jan. 17, 2023 10:00 a.m.
​Learn more, view plans and help inform designs until Feb. 7
 

A new pet-friendly space is coming to Ward 3! The City of Vaughan is planning for a new fenced-in local off-leash dog area within Giovanni Caboto Park, located at 75 Matthew Dr. in Woodbridge. Once complete, this designated off-leash area will welcome dogs of all sizes, with separate spaces for large and small breeds. 

New fencing, signage, pathway connections, equipment, amenities and garbage bins will be installed. Want to view the site plans? Want to have a say on how it’s designed? Visit vaughan.ca/DogPark to learn more about the project and participate in an online survey to share your thoughts.   

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. Giovanni Caboto Park has been selected for an off-leash dog area through a site selection process that applies the evaluation criteria established through this strategy. 

Help design this new off-leash space

Until Tuesday, Feb. 7, take part in a short online survey to learn more about the project, review proposed site plans and area renderings, view options to place the fenced-in off-leash space within the park, provide feedback and weigh in on tradeoffs. 

As part of the survey, you can also apply to join the City’s Off-Leash Dog Area Stewardship Program. Stewards will work with staff to ensure this new space remains fun and safe for all dogs and people, raise any safety concerns, and share feedback about operations and maintenance. 

In addition to the survey, you can also email comments directly to the project team at dogpark@vaughan.ca. 

Feedback collected will help the City finalize the design of this new off-leash dog area. 

Keep off-leash 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 has a locked gate providing safe access for residents with dogs. This fenced area is always separated from playgrounds and other park facilities. These spaces enable dogs, their families and park visitors to safely co-exist and enjoy all that Vaughan’s outdoor amenities have to offer. To learn more, watch this video. 

More local off-leash areas to enjoy

Following extensive public consultations, the City opened four new local off-leash dog areas in 2022:

  • Legion Park, 70 Legion Court Rd.
  • Mackenzie Glen District Park, 220 Cranston Park Ave.
  • Matthew Park, 1 Villa Royale Ave.
  • Sugarbush Heritage Park, 91 Thornhill Woods Dr. 

A fifth location is also available at Concord Thornhill Regional Park (299 Racco Pkwy). 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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