Pop-Up Dog Park Program

Edmonton Off-Leash Areas Map

Pop-up Dog Parks will be installed in the following locations:

Neighbourhoods were selected based on their proximity to existing Off-leash Areas, number of licenced dogs and requests from residents that City Councillors have received since 2016. 

An online survey for residents in selected neighbourhoods was available from March 6-27, 2023 to gather feedback on the proposed temporary Pop-up Dog Park locations. We used that survey’s results as well as technical considerations such as accessibility, land ownership, and future projects in the park to determine the specific neighbourhoods where we would install temporary pop-up dog parks. A What We Heard Report has been created with the results of the survey.

This program installs temporary Pop-up Dog Parks in neighbourhoods identified as high need for an off-leash area. All Pop-up Dog Parks have dog waste bags and dispensers, signage that includes the responsibilities of dog owners and clearly identified boundaries.

There will be 19 Pop-up Dog Parks installed throughout Edmonton in spring 2023 and will be operating for up to 6 months.

The survey results on the selection of Pop-up Dog Park locations is now available.

What We Heard Report

Neighbourhoods were selected for placement of Pop-up Dog Parks by their proximity to existing off-leash areas, number of licensed dogs, requests for the establishment of off-leash areas by residents and presence of off-leash dogs. 

Some of the considerations for the locations of the Pop-up Dog Parks were based on:

• Availability and zoning of parkland
• Adjacent land uses and setbacks
• Fit within the overall park site 
• Ability to be serviced by operations crews
• Accessibility factors like the terrain, proximity to paved trails and sidewalks with curb cuts to access them
• Lighting 
• Sight-lines
• Availability of active transportation options and parking
• Presence of foot/vehicle traffic 
• Feedback from the survey and the general public

Pop-up Dog Parks will be available starting in May and will close in fall 2023. Closure dates will depend on weather conditions. As they open and close, they will be added to the map at edmonton.ca/offleash.

Like all City of Edmonton parks, Pop-up Dog Parks are open 5am-11pm. If noise from Pop-up Dog Parks becomes an issue for local residents, these hours of operation may be adjusted on a per-case basis. 

Accessibility will be a key consideration in selecting sites and set-up of Pop-up Dog Parks including:

• Terrain and park surfacing
• Proximity to paved trails and sidewalks with curb cuts
• Availability of parking nearby
• Presence of lighting
• Proximity to seating areas
• Location and path to garbage cans
• Positioning of dog waste bag dispensers
• Design and installation of signage
• Barrier free entry and gate systems

If you have suggestions for improvements to accessibility, please contact us at offleash@edmonton.ca.

All Pop-up Dog Parks will have: 

• Signage which includes the responsibilities of dog owners
• Dog waste bags and dispenser, refilled weekly 
• Garbage can
• Clear boundaries which could include temporary fencing or the use of signs

All Pop-up Dog Parks will be available to be used by dogs of all sizes. Small dog-only areas are typically only included in larger District Level destination off-leash areas or can be added by Developers in off-leash areas in dog-focused neighbourhoods.

Pop-up Dog Parks are small in size and having a separate area only for small dogs will push all dogs that use the space into closer contact with each other. A small dog-only areas are available in Lauderdale and Paisley Dog Parks.

With the addition of 19 Pop-up Dog Parks along with 60 existing off-leash areas throughout Edmonton, we anticipate that there will be lots of space for all dogs to relax and enjoy their off-leash time. 

Based on the results of public feedback collected during the six month trial period and site evaluations, technical and operational feasibility, available funds, City priorities and programs, the City can decide to make the Pop-up Dog Parks locations permanent with standard amenities including signage, dog waste bag dispensers, garbage cans and clear boundaries. If significant site enhancements are required such as fencing, trails or lighting, a funding request would need to be brought forward to City Council.

The City fills the dog waste bag dispensers on a weekly schedule and is not able to refill dispensers outside of that weekly schedule. Bringing your own bags ensures that you will be able to pick up after your pet even if dispensers are empty.

Dog waste left over in parks, open spaces and sidewalks has a lasting impact on the environment, water quality and the health of people and animals. Fines of $100 can be given to any dog owner that does NOT pick up after their dog.

Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw 13145

Coyotes can be territorial and could consider dogs a threat. Pop-up Dog Parks are not going to be installed in areas that are known to be denning sites or high conflict locations. To reduce the risk of negative encounters with coyotes, keep your dog close and within eyesight at all times, train your dog to recall quickly even with distractions around, always clean up your dog’s waste and remove any potential food sources for coyotes. For more information about coyotes in Edmonton, visit edmonton.ca/coyotes.

To report a dog attack or bite, contact the Animal Care & Control Centre by calling 311. 
The following information is useful:

• Date, time and place of the incident
• List of injuries sustained in the attack
• Information about the dog (breed, size, gender, colour, features) and its owner 
• Order of events
• Contact information of other witnesses