Dogs in Parks

Parks can provide a pleasant and safe environment in which to exercise dogs. Safety for other park users is also a consideration however. The Animal Care and Control By-law provides for a variety of park usages or "designations" for dogs and there is a Dogs-in-Parks Designation Policy (DIPDP) that now applies.

This approach to park designations had been in place in old Ottawa since the late 1990's. It is however new to the other former municipalities' parks. Over time, parks outside of old Ottawa will be designated based on the criteria set out in the DIPDP with community consultation, where appropriate.

In the meantime, the park designations of the former municipalities will apply as outlined below. In areas where the DIPDP and process has been completed, information about the designation of specific parks is provided by clicking on the available links in the chart below.

Note that the “Dogs Allowed” designation means that dogs may be off-leash. There are however standard rules that apply to all parks regardless of geographic location within the new City of Ottawa. Dogs must always be under the control of their handler, even if a leash is not required. Signs are posted to inform the public of whether dogs are prohibited or if they must be leashed. Dogs are prohibited from being within five metres of all children's play areas and pools.

For more information on this program, please e-mail bylawservices@ottawa.ca.

Location

Description

Ottawa

Various designations.

Cumberland

Various designations – either on- or off-leash – in parks in Ward 1 Orléans and Ward 19 Cumberland.

Gloucester

Various designations – either on- or off-leash – in parks in Ward 2 Innes. Dogs must be on-leash in the remaining parks in former Gloucester.

Goulbourn

Various designation – either on-or off-leash – in parks in Ward 6 Stittsville-Kanata

Kanata

Various designations – either on- or off-leash – in parks in Ward 23, Kanata South. Dogs must be on-leash in the remaining parks in former Kanata.

Nepean

Various designations in parks in Barrhaven, Bells Corners, Merivale Gardens and in Ward 7 Bay, Ward 8 College, and Ward 9 Knoxdale.. Dogs are prohibited in the remaining parks in former Nepean unless otherwise signed.

Osgoode

Dogs are prohibited from City parks unless otherwise indicated.

Rideau

Dogs on leash are permitted in parks.

Rockcliffe

Dogs allowed on leash in the Conservation Area (Hemlock Lake also known as McKay Lake) but are not allowed in the Pond.

West Carleton

Dogs must be leashed.

Vanier

Dogs are prohibited from most parks; leashed dogs are permitted in: Richelieu, Kingsview and Riverain Parks.
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