There is a growing need for an off-leash dog park at Mount Pleasant park in Vancouver. Since 2020, dog adoptions have increased and rain or shine, pet parents bring their dogs to the park, which serves as a social focal point not just for their dogs, but for community members as well.

It’s not uncommon for dog owners to be on the receiving end of threatening and aggressive behavior from other park users insisting on leashing or removing dogs from the area. As the population of dog owners continues to grow, so does the surging need for an off-leash dog area.  As community members and tax payers, we all deserve safe areas to recreate in our parks, both dog-free and dog-friendly. 

Mount Pleasant Park currently houses three playgrounds, a skate park, a full length basketball court, and zero legal off leash dog parks. Rather than spending energy in horizontal conflict with our neighbours, our collective energy is better utilized aiming upwards, advocating for a legal off-leash dog park from our Park Board. Prices for a detached house with a yard in Mount Pleasant is cost prohibitive for most residents in our neighbourhood, highlighting the critical need for a neighbourhood off-leash dog park.

Back in October 2017, the Vancouver Park Board prepared a “People, Parks and Dog Strategy Report” which highlighted Mount Pleasant's need for an off-leash dog park. On page 14, “Mount Pleasant was identified as the most underserved neighbourhood according to this assessment.” 

Dog owners are active and committed community members: we know our neighbours, and we take pride and care in our neighbourhoods. With this familiarity, we tend to also serve as de facto street-watch members, reporting crimes (such as witnessed car break-ins or bike thefts), picking up trash, or even carefully disposing of drug paraphernalia in park areas and school grounds. 

Emergency veterinarian, Karen Harvey, a Mount Pleasant community member shares, "I can attest that dog parks are not without risks especially to smaller dogs. However, these parks also allow dogs to exhibit normal dog behaviour, and get the necessary amount of exercise. The concept of an 'on-leash' dog park such as the Simon Fraser Elementary gravel area is a bizarre one. Especially after hours, in the rain, in the winter etc and when it is an otherwise unoccupied open space. Dogs on leashes can also exhibit behavioural problems as some feel as though they aren't able to run away and escape a situation in which they feel scared, and some dogs can be leash reactive where they incite conflict while on leash due to frustration. Thankfully most dogs are just very excited to see each other and just want to run and play or play fetch endlessly for those herding breeds. I also try my best to help other dog owners understand the etiquette of the dog park, what is and isn't appropriate behaviour and play, and the importance of spaying, neutering and licensing their dogs." 

Whether you have dogs, or kids, or both, we are all part of this community and deserve to be able to feel safe and enjoy the limited park area available to us. This has been a community issue for years, and it is time to pool our efforts and take action. I recommend we install a fenced off-leash dog area within Mount Pleasant Park or adjust the current 'on leash' rules of the school yard to include an after hours off-leash allowance.  

Thank you for your time and consideration.