Q&A from July 2019

Site selection criteria for off-leash dog parks in the City of Greater Sudbury were approved in a report to the Community Services Committee on April 15, 2019.

Reviews of best practices in other municipalities and consultations with dog park user groups have determined the following:

A minimum of two hectares is recommended to establish an off-leash dog park.

A minimum requirement of 0.4 hectares for a large dog off-leash area and a minimum requirement of 0.4 hectares for a small dog off-leash area.

A minimum requirement of 0.2 to 0.4 hectares may be considered for each off-leash area in high density, urban neighbourhoods.

Where feasible, a 50 to 100 metre setback from residential properties is recommended to mitigate noise concerns. Topography or landscaping can reduce the distance of the setback.

Where applicable, a 50 to 100 metre setback is recommended from the following:

• Playgrounds and Splash Pads
• Play fields, sports courts and other high intensity park uses
• Elementary schools and Day Cares
• Places of worship

The property should be well drained and have a minimal slope.

Off-leash dog parks should not be located in environmentally sensitive areas.

Ground surfaces should be durable and easily maintained. Surfaces may include natural turf or hard surfacing.

The property should have room for sufficient off-road parking.

The property should have proximity to arterial roads and proper site planning to prevent the creation of traffic bottle necks.

For safety and security, locations should be reviewed for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

Sites should be able to meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements and best practices for outdoor spaces.

The following rules of conduct apply to all off-leash dog parks in the City of Greater Sudbury:

Pet owners and handlers are limited to three dogs in the off-leash park.

Pet owners must always stoop and scoop.

Operating hours are between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily.

Pet owners and handlers must always be in care and control of their dog and keep a leash readily accessible at all times.

Unhealthy or injured dogs and dogs in heat are not permitted in the off-leash dog park.

Dogs demonstrating aggressive behaviour must immediately be removed from the off-leash dog park.

Dogs under four months are not permitted in the off-leash dog park.

Persons under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.

Dogs are not permitted to dig in the off-leash dog park and handlers/owners must fill in any holes created by their dogs.

Human food is not permitted in the off-leash dog park.

Owners/handlers must exercise caution when giving their dog a toy or treat in the off-leash area.

Development of an off-leash dog park to serve residents of the South End is included in the City of Greater Sudbury Parks, Open Space and Leisure Master Plan Review (2014).

Following a review of other existing parkland and municipal property in the south end of Sudbury, property west of the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex was identified as a viable location that matches the criteria for site selection:

The property is approximately two hectares in size.

The property has sufficient room to accommodate a 0.4 hectare enclosure for large dogs and a 0.4 hectare enclosure for small dogs.

There is room for off-road parking, there will be minimal impact on local traffic and it is close to arterial roads for easy access.

The property is well drained and is generally flat rolling terrain with some minor elevation.

The setback to the nearest residence is approximately 75 metres.

The site is not adjacent to playgrounds, sports courts, elementary schools or places of worship. The main entrance to the arena is distinct and separate from the location of the dog park.

Environmental impact is minimal as no blasting or tree removal is necessary

The York K9 club is committed to a stewardship role at this site

This site is within walking distance to many subdivisions (Countryside, Algonquin, Mallards Green) and it is anticipated that neighbours will enjoy walking their dogs to this off-leash park.

Design criteria for off-leash dog parks in the City of Greater Sudbury were approved in a report to the Community Services Committee on April 15, 2019.

Reviews of best practices in other municipalities and consultations with dog park user groups have determined the following:

Fencing should be at least four-feet (1.2 metres) in height and at least six-feet (1.8 metres) in height where the property borders arterial roads.

Double gated entrances to open run areas are preferred.

Separate entrances or open run areas are highly recommended for large and for small dogs.

Dependent on natural ground cover, wood chips or crusher dust may be considered with an antimicrobial option to reduce the spread of disease.

Signs displaying regulations and policies of the off-leash dog park are required.

Sufficient waste receptacles are required in the open run areas.

Mutt mitts/waste receptacles outside the open run areas are desirable.

Benches and picnic tables are highly recommended as well as shade structures if natural shade is unavailable.

Potable water stations are desirable dependent on available funding and water services.

Dog play equipment, including agility structures, are desirable dependent on funding.

It is necessary to secure project funding prior to the advancement of any off-leash dog park in the City of Greater Sudbury.

Costs associated with the development of an off-leash dog park at the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex are estimated at $37,000.

Pending Council approval, costs will be funded from an existing project balance of $7,100 and capital accounts identified for park and playground development in the amount of $29,900.

Once a site meets the requirements for an off-leash dog park, residents are engaged and consulted on the site design. Public input provides an opportunity to address concerns about perceived noise and aesthetics.

The City of Greater Sudbury will host a public information session at the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex on July 8, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Residents are also invited to submit comments and questions online at overtoyou.greatersudbury.ca until July 22, 2019.

The City of Greater Sudbury owns, operates and maintains off-leash dog parks. Dog owners and handlers are subject to the Ontario Dog Owner’s Liability Act, the City of Greater Sudbury’s Animal Care and Control By-law and the City of Greater Sudbury’s Dog Park By-law 2012-145. Failure to abide by park rules and regulations may result in loss of privileges or fines.

With local by-laws regulating the use of leashes, dedicated off-leash parks provide pet owners with the opportunity to exercise and socialize dogs in a controlled area. Off-leash dog parks:

Promote canine physical health and socialization to reduce nuisance behaviors and make dogs better canine citizens.

Encourage people to exercise and to socialize with others sharing a common interest.

Accommodate senior citizens and persons with disabilities who may not be able to walk their dogs on leash.

Build a sense of community around parks, engagement and the environment.

The City of Greater Sudbury currently has two off-leash dog parks: the Minnow Lake Dog Park and the Azilda Off-Leash Dog Park. Both parks are located on previously vacant properties.

The Minnow Lake Dog Park, located at the corner of Donna Drive and Second Avenue North, is an initiative of the Minnow Lake Community Action Network and its sub-committee Dogs Off-Leash Greater Sudbury.

The Azilda Off-Leash Dog Park, located at 3878 Municipal Road 15, is an initiative of the Azilda Community Action Network and its Azilda Dog Park Subcommittee.

Both groups canvassed the community to raise funds and donations in-kind for fencing, gates, landscaping and other amenities to build the parks. Volunteers continue to act as park stewards for park clean-up, promotions and enhancements.

Prior to exploring the potential of any new off-leash dog park, there must be evidence that an organized group of volunteers is committed to the project. Volunteer groups must enter into a written agreement with the City of Greater Sudbury to establish roles and responsibilities for both parties.

The York K9 Club has been working towards the development of an official off-leash dog park to serve the south end of the community for several years.

Volunteers have committed to act as stewards of the new off-leash dog park, overseeing clean-up, promotions and enhancements.

Two options were proposed to develop an off-leash dog park in the York Street area.

The first, at Riverdale Playground, encountered concerns from the abutting property owner. Due to the potential impacts on a shared parking lot and church activities, the city committed to exploring other locations in the south end for an off-leash dog park.

The second option, in the area of the York Street parking lot, received mixed support with concerns expressed by neighbouring residents about the potential for noise, negative aesthetics and impact on Bell Park.

Two additional sites were suggested as part of the community consultation process: Bell Grove Beach and Ida Street. Neither location meets site selection criteria for off-leash dog parks.

Bell Grove is well short of the minimum two hectare requirement. Ida Street would be negatively impacted by increased traffic. Both are located in environmentally sensitive areas.

Fencing that was installed at the Riverdale Playground under the first proposal to develop an off-leash dog park in the York Street area will be repurposed at the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex.