People, Dogs and Parks Strategic Plan

We’re developing a People, Dogs and Parks Strategic Plan to provide a framework for how people and dogs can share District parks in a fun, safe, responsible and respectful way.    

The plan will consider various perspectives in planning, designing, stewarding, and maintaining areas used by dogs that respects a diversity of park uses.

We want to know what matters to you — whether you are a dog owner or not. Share your thoughts by taking our online survey, open until Dec. 5, 2023.

News and updates

November 14 to December 5, 2023 – Online survey

Please share your input by taking the online survey. The key themes heard during engagement will help support the development of the draft strategic plan.

The background report describes what we know about dogs in the District and its parks. It is not necessary to review it before completing the survey.

November 15, 21 and 22, 2023 – Pop-up events

Attend one of the pop-up events in person and share your thoughts:

  • Parkgate Library: November 15 from 10am-12pm
  • Lynn Valley Library: November 21 from 12-2pm
  • Delbrook Community Centre: November 22 from 3-5pm

 

Project phases

A timeline graphic with the text: Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4. Under Phase 1, the text reads: Fall 2023, Issues, Opportunities and Ideas, Engagement.

Phase 1: We will engage the community to learn more about key issues, opportunities and ideas for planning spaces for people and dogs in District parks.

Phase 2: We will carry out analysis, research, and explore best practices to support the development of the plan.

Phase 3: We will consider the key themes heard through the initial engagement, along with background research and best practices, to develop the draft strategic plan. We will share the draft plan for review and feedback.

Phase 4: The plan will be refined and presented to Council for consideration.

Background

The District’s parks are highly valued by the community for providing a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities, and this plan will provide a framework to enhance the park experience for all users.

Why we are developing this plan:

  • The Parks and Open Space Strategic Plan (2012) recommends developing a dog program for dog use in parks
  • The District’s population is growing and there is an increasing number of people and dogs sharing District parks
  • We have heard from community members over time about the desire for opportunities to recreate with their dogs in parks, and challenges about dogs in our parks

Learn more about dog in the District in the background report.

An infographic about dogs in the DNV. There are an estimated 18,515 dogs in the DNV, which is 1 dog to every 5 residents. About 35 percent of dogs are licenced.

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