Dog Off-Leash Parks

Nanaimo Dog Off-Leash Map and Handout

What is a dog off-leash park?

A dog off-leash park is a designated location where owners can let dogs run free and play without a leash. Some are contained areas, and some are natural sites.

Dog off-leash parks in Nanaimo:

Nanaimo now has six official dog off-leash areas:

• Beban Park (entrance off Labieux Road)
• Cable Bay Trail (R.O.W. Nicola Road)
• Westwood Lake (designated area is located at the back of the park by the power lines only)
• Colliery Dam Park -The upper dam trail is off-leash between 6am-10am and 4pm until park closing
• Beaufort Park- grassy portion accessed off the Chelsea Road parking and tennis area 
• Diver Lake Park- the field will be off-leash between October 1 and April 30.  During the summer, this area will be utilized as a sports field.

Two dog off-leash areas are now open as of May 1st, 2011 as one year pilot sites:

• Invermere Beach
• St. George's Ravine

Dog off-leash park rules

• Dogs must be properly licensed and vaccinated.
• Female dogs in heat are not allowed.
• Owners are required by law to pick up their dog's feces and to properly dispose of in trash cans located throughout the area. Fines will be levied for non-compliance.
• Owners must be in attendance with their dog at all times within the boundaries of the dog off-leash area.
• Owners must obey all park rules and relevant parking requirements.
• Dogs must be on a leash prior to entering and upon leaving the off-leash area.
• A maximum of two dogs per person in the dog off-leash area.
• Owners must respect other park visitors by keeping their dog from running up to and jumping on other people and their dogs.
• Identified aggressive dogs and prohibited breeds must be muzzled and leashed.
• Pets must be under the control of the owner, and the dog must be in sight of the owner at all times.
• No puppies under 4 months are permitted.
• Owners are personally liable for any damages or injury inflicted by their dog.

Why are dog off-leash areas so important?

Pets are a key component of many families. As a service to the public and the environment, the City strives to balance the opportunities and issues that dogs and other pets present. A need for additional dog off-leash parks was identified in the Parks, Recreation and Culture 2005 Master Plan and potential locations are currently under review.

Public process for additional dog off-leash sites

An initial public open house was held on Wednesday, July 20, 2009 at the Beban Dog Off-Leash Park to review possible locations for future dog parks and dog park improvements. About 200 people attended the open house, and over 100 people filled out the public input survey. There was an overwhelming support for the development of more dog parks throughout the City, as well as a desire to see more amenities of existing dog parks (including shade, drinking water and access to swimming). There was also a desire to have a variety of dog off-leash parks throughout the City, including more natural locations, as well as fenced, urban settings (like the Beban Dog Off-Leash Park). A second open house was held on October 22 at Rotary Field House. Implementation strategies for the development of dog off-leash parks over the next 5 years were presented for public review.