Frequently asked questions
- 47% Kitsilano
- 45% Mount Pleasant
- 35% Downtown
- 33% West End
- 32% Grandview-Woodland
- 19% Fairview
Why renew Emery Barnes Park dog off-leash area?
We’re planning a renewal of the existing dog off-leash area (OLA) and proposing an expansion for a separate small/shy dog area to add to the overall OLA space in Emery Barnes Park. Emery Barnes is a well-loved park that balances a variety of features including the OLA. Improvements to the OLA are necessary to address ongoing safety and maintenance issues, as well as to accommodate the growing number of dogs in the area. In all of Vancouver, Emery Barnes Park serves the second highest number of licensed dogs living within 1 km of an OLA.
Why is an expansion of the off-leash area being proposed?
Emery Barnes is a well-loved park that balances a variety of spaces including the off-leash area (OLA). In all of Vancouver, Emery Barnes Park serves the second highest number of licensed dogs living within 1 km of an OLA.
In our first round of engagement, we identified an opportunity to expand the OLA to help accommodate the high number of dogs in the neighbourhood, while maintaining the existing activity spaces in the park. The area identified for the proposed expansion was a small lawn area southwest of the existing OLA.
In our survey, we heard that 80% of respondents agreed that expanding the OLA would be beneficial. We also heard that 67% of respondents would value a *self-managed, separate space for small/shy dogs.
By expanding the OLA to include a small/shy dog area, we would be able to accommodate a growing number of dogs while also maintaining the existing park uses and circulation.
*At a self-managed small/shy OLA, dog owners determine whether their dog is the right size and/or has the right temperament to use the space. Communication between owners is encouraged.
Who is leading the project?
The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is leading the project.
How can I stay updated about the project?
Watch this page and follow us on social media:
How can I get involved/receive future off-leash area updates?
Sign up for email updates about dog related projects by selecting the tab "Email sign up for OLA updates" on the homepage.
What are the priority neighborhoods for off-leash areas?
In an effort to provide equitable distribution of OLAs within the city, the locations for new OLAs are determined based on the prioritization of underserved areas as defined in the strategy. Areas identified as highest priority based on combined assessments and ranked in order of priority by survey respondents were:
What is the People, Parks and Dogs Strategy?
The People, Parks & Dogs Strategy (2017) provides a framework to deliver well-planned and designed parks with dog off-leash areas that ensure the comfort and safety of all park users with recommendations within four themes – access, design, stewardship and enforcement. Through mapping and analysis, the strategy identified six neighbourhoods considered deficient in dog off-leash areas. Through this strategy, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is committed to providing equitable access across the city and improving access to OLAs.
Public engagement is an important part in implementing the recommendations of the strategy. Input from all park users will help to ensure the successful renewal of this well-used amenity, while supporting a safe and comfortable experience for all park users, with and without dogs.