The "Park 'n' Bark" is the most recent off-leash dog park to open in Lethbridge, but the city said it will not proceed with the creation of six new parks, April 18, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

City of Lethbridge to not proceed with six off-leash dog parks following feedback

Apr 18, 2023 | 3:23 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Dog owners in Lethbridge will have to make due with the off-leash parks that they already have.

At the April 18, 2023, meeting of Lethbridge City Council, members voted against proceeding with the development of six previously-proposed dog park locations.

The City of Lethbridge came up with the locations based on survey results from this past fall:

• Nicholas Sheran Park (West)
• Coalbanks Park (West)
• Henderson Park (South)
• 20 Ave Greenstrip (South)
• Kodiak Park (North)
• 28 St 7 Ave – 9 Ave (North)

A second survey was conducted in January 2023, in which, the city received a total of 1,118 responses.

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While the majority of respondents were in favour of some of the proposed dog park locations, such as 28 Street North and Nicholas Sheran, the overall sentiment was 56.7 per cent negative.

Only 22 per cent said they support the creation of an off-leash dog park along 20 Avenue South.

As a result of the negative feedback, city council decided to not move forward with developing the new parks at this time. Instead, they voted unanimously to consider appropriate areas for future dog parks when new outline plans, or or amendments to outline plans, come forward.

City Councillor Ryan Parker said this is a great example of council listening to the public’s input.

“On behalf of City Council, I want to thank our residents for actively participating and providing us with their valued feedback,” said Parker. “I also want to thank our Administration, specifically the Parks & Cemeteries staff, for their efforts in exploring what options existed as well as for suggesting an appropriate direction moving forward.”

The city’s newest off-leash dog park is the “Park ‘n’ Bark” near the intersection of Stafford Drive North and Scenic Drive North, which opened in October 2022.

The full “What We Heard Report” on the creation of additional dog parks can be viewed on the City of Lethbridge website.

READ MORE: Park ‘n’ Bark off-leash dog park opens in north Lethbridge

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