A primary off-leash dog area is coming soon to the future Mackenzie Valley Park

Feb. 14, 2023 10:00 a.m.
​Learn more, view plans and help inform designs until March 7
 

A new fenced-in off-leash dog area is coming soon to the future Mackenzie Valley Park, to be developed at the southeast corner of Major Mackenzie Drive and Highway 27 (5851 Major Mackenzie Dr.). This pet-friendly space will be the City of Vaughan’s second primary off-leash dog location, complementing the existing primary location at Concord/Thornhill Regional Park. Once complete, this designated off-leash area will welcome dogs of all sizes, with separate spaces for large and small breeds. 

Off-leash dog areas are secure, fenced-in spaces for pets to safely exercise, socialize and roam free – safely. In addition to a designated fenced-in area for large and small dogs, this space will include a parking lot with approximately 30 to 35 spaces, shade structures, lighting and a gathering area with seating. New fencing, signage, pathway connections and waste bins will also be installed. It will be approximately one hectare in size (2.5 acres). 

Help design this new off-leash space!

Want to see the potential renderings and/or ask questions about the draft site plans? Visit vaughan.ca/DogPark to learn more about the project and participate in an online engagement opportunity until Tuesday, March 7. Feedback collected will help the City finalize the design of the new fenced-in primary off-leash dog area in Mackenzie Valley Park. 

You can also apply to join Vaughan’s 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 off-leash dog area regulations and etiquette.
  • communicate any safety concerns.
  • share feedback about operations and maintenance.
  • review pilot studies and share input (what is working well or opportunities for improvement). 

The City recognizes the value off-leash parks bring to dogs and their families. In 2016, Council endorsed the Primary Off-Leash Dog Area West of Highway Study (PDF) and, in 2021, Council endorsed the Local Off-leash Dog Area Strategy (PDF), both of which identified locations in the community for pets to safely roam free. Mackenzie Valley Park has been selected for a primary off-leash dog area through a site selection process that applies the evaluation criteria established through this strategy. 

Keep off-leash areas safe

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. 

Explore other local off-leash areas

Following extensive public consultations, the City opened the following 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. 

In addition, a primary off-leash dog area is 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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