Leash-free policy

Guelph’s Leash-Free Policy guides how we assess, build, maintain and enforce off-leash areas as our city continues to grow.

Leash-Free Program PolicyLeash-Free Study that led to our work

In our Leash-Free Policy you will find:

  • Standard procedures for creating leash-free areas
  • A list of designated leash-free areas
  • Rules for our leash-free areas to keep people safe

Engagement was completed in fall 2019, following construction of Peter Misersky Park’s fenced leash-free area to understand community concerns and benefits.

On February 24, 2020, Council voted to:

  • Keep the leash-free area at Peter Misersky Park with added mitigation efforts
  • Proceed with construction of a second leash-free area at Bristol Street Park

Council voted to cancel the construction of a third leash-free are at Lee Street Park.

Engagement on fenced leash-free areas

Leash-Free Policy engagement

We engaged with the community about leash-free areas between July 27, 2018 and August 27, 2018 to create the final Leash-Free Policy.Leash-Free Policy engagement summary

Peter Misersky Park community meeting – November 14, 2019

On November 14, 2019, Open Space Planning staff held an invitation-only meeting to residents of Peter Misersky Park, facilitated by Sage Solutions. The goal of the meeting was to provide a neutral place for residents to share their concerns, ask questions of staff and provide potential solutions for consideration.Peter Misersky Park Engagement SummaryPeter Misersky Park questions and answers

Bristol Street Park open house – November 20, 2019

On November 20, 2019, Open Space Planning staff held an open house for community members to learn more about the fenced leash-free area proposed at Bristol Street Park. Residents requested a question and answer period where they shared their concerns, asked questions and provided feedback for anticipated problems. The remainder of the meeting was used for residents to move between four stations dedicated to waste, bylaw enforcement, policy and construction. Residents shared written feedback for staff.

Bristol Street Park open house engagement summaryBristol Street Park questions and answers

For more information

Luke Jefferson, Manager
Open Space Planning, Parks and Recreation
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 2527
[email protected]