A Petition for Basic Maintenance at Cedarvale Dog Off-Leash Area — Years of Neglect Must End

To: Councillor Josh Matlow, Ward 12 & Toronto Parks and Recreation

We, the undersigned, are calling on Councillor Matlow and Toronto Parks and Recreation to commit to annual, scheduled woodchip resurfacing at Cedarvale Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) — every year, before the fall rains. This is basic park maintenance and should not require repeated community advocacy.

The Problem

The surface at Cedarvale DOLA is routinely allowed to deteriorate into a muddy, waterlogged state. This issue has persisted for over a decade and has been covered by CBC News and BlogTO. In 2018, CBC reported that the City spent $135,000 on a shelter that dog walkers immediately noted was the wrong height and wrong colour — while basic ground maintenance was being ignored.

The community's request has remained consistent: annual woodchip resurfacing before the fall rainy season. Yet each year, residents are told it will be addressed "next year." By spring, conditions are already unmanageable, and resurfacing comes too late to prevent months of poor conditions.

Residents should not have to organize campaigns, contact media, and repeatedly call the City just to secure routine maintenance.

A Structural Issue

Cedarvale's challenges go beyond maintenance. The park lacks a proper base layer and drainage system, causing woodchips to shift and wash out with rainfall.

Other Toronto off-leash areas demonstrate viable solutions:

Eglinton Park: gravel base and drainage
Greenwood Park: artificial turf with drainage

Toronto's own 2025 Dog Off-Leash Strategy now requires sub-drainage for woodchip parks, making Cedarvale's current condition inconsistent with City standards.

The City's Commitment

In May 2025, the City committed to maintaining all off-leash areas to a "high and consistent standard," with improved accountability, service tracking, and predictable maintenance schedules.

These commitments have not been met at Cedarvale.

What We Are Asking For

Immediate woodchip resurfacing
Annual resurfacing scheduled before fall rains, every year
A long-term infrastructure plan including proper base and drainage
Accountability to the 2025 Dog Off-Leash Strategy
Cedarvale DOLA is a well-loved and heavily used park. Its community deserves consistent, predictable maintenance — not an annual fight for basic care.

Sign below to demand accountability.