News release

For immediate release

Dogs invited to pop-up parks this summer

Saanich, BC – Your furry friend will have additional options for play in five Saanich parks this summer starting June 29.

Based on a recommendation from the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee, Council approved pop-up dog parks May 17 as a pilot program for the summer months.

“We want our beautiful parks to be enjoyable and comfortable spaces for all users and we want to support responsible dog owners,” said Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Chair and Councillor Judy Brownoff. “Through the pop-up program, we’ll gather information that will be useful for our upcoming District-wide dog strategy.”

Temporary fencing will be set up for two weeks at a time rotating through five different Saanich parks:

• Fowler Park June 29 to July 12
• Hyacinth Park July 13 to July 26
• Gorge Park July 27 to August 9
• Rudd Park August 10 to August 23
• Cadboro-Gyro Park August 24 to September 7

The pop-up dog parks will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily from June 29 to September 8 with the exception of the first day in each location when the areas will be open for use late afternoon.

The five parks selected for the pilot have adequate parking and will have additional garbage cans in place for the duration of the pop-up. Saanich is not running the pop-ups in natural area parks or fields used for organized sports. Parks staff will visit the pop-ups regularly to collect feedback about the program and to gather information to:

• gauge the level of acceptance for establishing designated off leash areas in Saanich Parks;
• determine if establishing a temporary off leash area in Gyro Park reduces the demand for the off leash beach area as currently permitted under the animal control bylaw;
• receive feedback from both dog owners and non-dog owners concerning key issues that need to be addressed in order to successfully establish and operate designated off leash areas in the Saanich Parks system; and
• gain a better understanding of the most suitable locations for any future off leash areas.

Council approved $30,000 in funding from the Council Strategic Initiatives Fundto run the pop-up program this summer.

Learn more

Visit saanich.ca/dogs for the pop-up dog park schedule and more information. Please note the schedule is subject to change.

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Media contact:
Gary Darrah
Manager Park Planning and Development
gary.darrah@saanich.ca
250-475-5539