Christine Whelan, FEO, September 26, 2024, VOL. 6 ISSUE 2

Off-Leash Dog Park Coming to Stevensville

Christine Whelan, FEO, September 26, 2024, VOL. 6 ISSUE 2

In June, the Town of Fort Erie announced its plans for a new off-leash dog park in Stevensville and has been seeking community input. A social media post invited residents to complete a survey on the Let’s Talk section of the Town of Fort Erie website.

Throughout the summer, the survey was available for the town’s people to complete.  The feedback and insights provided played a crucial role in guiding the design of the dog park.

By mid-September, the survey was concluded.

Anamika Dilwaria, Director of Planning and Development Services for the Town of Fort Erie, took the time last week to update me on the progress.

“Town Staff have reviewed public engagement feedback, are developing conceptual plans for the dog park and are coordinating the appropriate time for construction in alignment with other Town projects.”

Survey: What the Community Wants

She stated the survey was very informative and would play a key role in the design and location of the dog park. “We had over 170 participants from the Stevensville and Douglaston areas. The majority indicated that they would walk 20 minutes or more to a dog park, as long as it was within Stevensville and 80% of respondents said they would be willing to drive to the dog park.”

Additionally, the survey clearly showed, according to Anamika, that residents prefer two dog parks for small and large dogs.

The most requested amenities were seating areas, with both shaded and sunny options, as well as access to parking.

Painting a Proposed Picture

“The proposed park in Stevensville will feature two off-leash areas for small and large dogs, which will be similar in size to those in Crystal Ridge,” Anamika explained, “And will feature double gates on a concrete pad for security, along with benches and trees to provide shaded spots for both dogs and their owners. Waste receptacles will be located at each gate, and parking access will also be provided.

Existing Off-Leash Dog Parks in the Greater Fort Erie Area

Currently, Fort Erie has three off-leash dog parks.

There is a park for large dogs and one for small dogs in Crystal Ridge Park behind Crystal Ridge Community Centre and Library. There’s one large off-leash area for all dogs in the Lions Sugarbowl Park at the corner of Gilmore Road and Central Avenue in Fort Erie.

The Town reminds dog owners to be respectful, clean up after their pets, and use provided waste receptacles.

Good to Know

From the Town of Fort Erie webpage

• Dogs on a leash that is maximum 6′ in length are permitted in parking lots, designated pathways and hiking trails located within a park including the Friendship Trail and within passive areas of parks.
• Dogs are not permitted in cemeteries or public beaches.
• The off-leash dog park is in the Lions Sugarbowl Park All dogs must display their current dog license and vaccination tags.
• Please remain in sight and voice control of your dog at all times within the off-leash dog park area.

From The Town

The Town staff would like to thank residents for their interest, participation and enthusiasm to improve Fort Erie’s Parks and Open Spaces.

It is recognized that this is an important project for many residents and staff are making the design of this facility a priority.  Logistics and coordination with other Town construction projects will have an impact on timing but staff would like to assure the residents that this will be completed as soon as possible.

If you have any further questions, contact The Town of Fort Erie: 905-871-1600 or visit the website forterie.ca