Off-Leash Dog Parks

With a population of approximately 27,000, Orangeville Ontario is not much larger than Cranbrook. An off-leash dog park is something that some might argue is an unnecessary luxury especially when surrounded with the rural areas we have here. However an off-leash dog park is also about dog owners, many of whom are seniors. Owning a dog has been proven to have many health benefits for the owner. Socialized dogs are healthy, happy and non-aggressive. For senior or single dog owners, walking in the forest is not always an option and letting a dog off-leash is not always safe for many reasons. Neither is walking on slippery, often icy sidewalks in winter. An off leash dog park provides a community place for all dog owners and their dogs and it is especially beneficial for seniors. If you visit a dog park in any city you will find as much socializing going on amongst the owners as with the dogs. It is no different than visiting a playground where families with young children congregate and often forge lasting friendships. We provide a wide variety of recreational amenities for the younger members of our population and with the increasing percentage of mature residents facilities such as dog parks need serious consideration. Off-leash dog parks are a healthy addition to any community, appeal to a very wide demographic, are relatively low maintenance and are a comparatively very low cost investment.


There has been talk of planning for an off-leash dog park for Cranbrook. A dog park in a central location close to senior and high-density housing would be a wonderful addition to our recreational facilities.

This is how Orangeville accomplished it:

From Orangeville Municipal website:

Orangeville's Off-leash Dog Park Opens Oct. 15


The project got off the ground last year, with a group of residents who had championed the cause and formed the Off-Leash Dog Park Committee. The group initiated some fundraising efforts, gained the support of Orangeville Council, and the Town found a 1.5-acre site west of the Orangeville Mall, north of Hansen Boulevard. Site work, in the Orangeville Highlands parkland area, has included surveying, grading, seeding, fencing, and the development of a parking lot and small and large dog areas.


The project cost of $27,000 has been covered by the Town of Orangeville and donations, with fundraising continuing for future maintenance and improvements at the park. Additional future features could include shelters for shade, benches and landscaping, and possibly water stations and dog agility equipment.


"I'm thrilled to have been able to work on the off-leash dog park project and to assist the residents' committee with their fundraising efforts to help reduce the tax-supported portion," said Councillor Jeremy Williams. "It's another addition to services offered by the Parks and Recreation Department and I know there are many people eager to enjoy the park with their dogs. I'm also pleased that Orangeville Council got behind the project and understood the need in the community."


There is a growing list of vendors who will participate in the opening day celebration. Vendors will offer dog nail trims for $10, professional pet photos for $5, doggie treats, and pet supplies, with a portion of proceeds going to the second phase of the dog park. Coffee and baked goods will also be available. Plus there will be prizes and a silent auction, featuring such items as dog grooming, a Blu-Ray player, gift baskets, and gift certificates from local businesses. The fundraising goal for the second phase of the off-leash dog park is $15,000.


Off-leash dog park advocate Jackie Roxburgh says she is proud of her team and the continuing commitment to bring further improvements to the off-leash dog park in future. "The Off-Leash Dog Park Committee has worked very hard to make the project happen. With many volunteer hours we have managed to gain support from the public and that further motivated us to give the residents of Orangeville a park that is now needed. I'm looking forward to being able to use the park and let my dogs go for a run. The support for the dog park has been overwhelming and many people want to help us now that the park is a reality."


Committee member Jo Ann Bourque has taken her two golden retrievers for a run in the country in the past. "They love to run and play and to socialize with other dogs - and now we won't have to leave Town. It's really nice to see all our hard work paying off with the opening of this dog park."


Rules of operation for the park will be available soon and will require dogs to be leashed when entering and exiting the park, and will require handlers to be in control of the dogs and to pick up after them. For further information on the dog park, please email info@orangeville.caor