People, Dogs and Parks policies now in
effect
Following Council*s approval in July 2007, the City of Toronto has
implemented two new policies within the People, Dogs and Parks Strategy
that governs the use of Toronto parks, green spaces and waterfront areas
by dog owners and commercial dog walkers.
The Off-Leash Policy and the Commercial Dog Walkers Permit Policy,
which are designed to promote everyone*s enjoyment of Toronto parks,
green spaces and waterfront areas, require:
* all dogs be licensed
* all dogs be on-leash when in public areas, unless they are in
municipally-designated off-leash areas
* development of a local dog owner association in order to complete
an application to request the establishment of an off-leash area
* commercial dog walkers, who walk four to a maximum of six dogs at
any one time in the city parkland system, to obtain a commercial dog
walker permit by completing an application form and paying the $200
permit fee.
The Commercial Dog Walker Permit Policy will be enforced beginning
February 1.
*As population growth and development density increase across the
city, demands on existing parks, green spaces and waterfront areas are
becoming more pronounced. The People, Dogs and Parks Strategy provides a
consistent approach to the provision of off-leash areas within the parks
system, and takes into consideration the interests of various park
users, including families and dog owners, in addition to protecting
sensitive natural areas,* said Brenda Librecz, General Manager, Parks,
Forestry and Recreation.
Comprehensive information about the People, Dogs and Parks Strategy and
its policies is available on the City*s website at
www.toronto.ca/parks/dogs.htm,
including:
* application forms
* details on how off-leash areas may be established, operated,
managed and monitored across city parkland to ensure consistency and
transparency
* the process to obtain a commercial dog walker permit and conditions
of use.
*We are grateful to the many residents who attended public meetings
to assist in the development of this strategy, and we look forward to
continuing the dialogue as we implement the strategy,* added Librecz.
Parks, Forestry and Recreation will report back to Council in one year
on the strategy*s effectiveness and to make any necessary revisions.
Toronto is Canada*s largest city and sixth largest government, and
home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the
economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative
cities in North America. In the past three years, Toronto has won more
than 70 awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering
public services. Toronto*s government is dedicated to prosperity,
opportunity and liveability for all its residents.
