More off-leash dog parks coming to PG

Prince George will be getting more dog parks in the future, according to a report to City Council at last night’s (Monday) meeting.

An update to the current off-leash strategy for parks says Malaspina, Ingledew, and Heather Road Park are being considered for repurposing.

Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks.

The Park Strategy itself was approved in 2017, and focuses on finding ways to repurpose other underutilized or redundant lots into dog parks.

This lead city staff to eventually transform Glenview baseball field into a dog park at Corporal Darren Fitzpatrick Bravery Park.

Currently, the existing dog park and off-leash areas are maintained by Parks and Solid Waste Services and receive weekly maintenance.

“Operational costs consist mainly of waste removal and the supply of dog waste bags at a cost of approximately $15,000 annually,” said Blake McIntosh, Acting Director, Civic Operation.

Proposed expanded off-leash areas in College Heights and the Millar Addition neighborhoods have received Capital Expenditure funding of $25,000.

“Since the introduction of the People, Pets and Parks program, we have kept our community engaged through the use of surveys, open houses and on site
consultation and have heard from close to 2,000 residents,” said McIntosh.

McIntosh says the City first introduced off-leash pilot areas in 2002, recognizing pets as legitimate park users.

Then in 2011, Council passed the Duchess Park Plan, which resulted in the first dog park in the city.

Ginter’s and Moore’s Meadow became official off-leash dog parks in 2013.