Updated: October 26, 2021
Background
On January 16, 2018, Regional Council approved Administrative Order 2017-013-OP to guide the designation of off-leash areas within municipal parks. Further information about the process of identifying and assessing sites is outlined in the staff report that accompanied the new Administrative Order.
A decision to designate a portion of a park as an off-leash area is subject to the approval of Regional Council and is based assessments against the conditions in the Administrative Order. This process may include public consultation.
With the adoption of the Administrative Order, Regional Council directed that additional off-leash areas be considered within the communities of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Eastern Passage, and Spryfield.
Project Status
Dartmouth
On October 16, 2018 Regional Council approved the designation of a year-round dedicated (fully fenced) off-leash area within a portion of Don Bayer Park, 26 Troop Avenue. Further information about this is found within a Staff Report.
Detailed design of the off-leash area is complete and construction is set to commence in spring 2022 (pending Regional Council’s approval of budget). In the meantime, the Don Bayer Sports Field is available as a seasonal (Nov 1 – May 1) off-leash area.
Cole Harbour
The municipality is developing a park plan for the former Rehabilitation Centre Lands on Bissett Road, which includes the consideration of an off-leash area. Community engagement is underway through Shape Your City.
Eastern Passage
On September 28, 2021, Regional Council approved the designation of a portion of Shearwater Flyer Park at 1340 Caldwell Road as a year-round (fully fenced) off-leash area. Further information about this is found within a Staff Report.
Detailed design of the new off-leash area will be included in future budgets.
Spryfield
On September 28, 2021, Regional Council approved the designation of a portion of Roaches Pond Ball Diamond Park at 610 Herring Cove Road as a year-round (fully fenced) off-leash area. Details are contained within a Staff Report and the minutes from the council session.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact:
Richard Harvey
Manager of Policy and Planning, Parks & Recreation
Phone: 902.476.5822
Email: harveyri@halifax.ca