Dog off-leash areas
NOTICE
To ensure the well-being of our residents, guests, and staff, all Strathcona County recreation and culture facilities are CLOSED, including ALL dog off-leash locations and all programs are CANCELLED until June 15, 2020 (or until further notice).
This proactive measure supports Alberta Health’s priority to limit larger social gatherings in our community. Learn more about what Strathcona County is doing to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Frequently asked questions
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Where can I go with my dog while the off-leash areas are closed?
1. Where can I go with my dog while the off-leash areas are closed?
Permanent link to Where can I go with my dog while the off-leash areas are closed?While the dog parks are temporarily closed, leashed dogs are welcome throughout the community.
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Why are the off-leash areas in Strathcona County closed?
2. Why are the off-leash areas in Strathcona County closed?
Permanent link to Why are the off-leash areas in Strathcona County closed?Strathcona County is taking Alberta Health's direction to limit social gathering places seriously. Our dog parks are very well-loved, and are regularly used by many people. While other recreation services have been closed, traffic has increased at the dog parks. At times, traffic volumes exceed Alberta Health’s direction to limit mass gatherings to 15 or less.
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There were 15,000 visits at Deermound in January and February 2020, which are the coldest months of the year. On the evening of March 17 at time of closure, 40 vehicles were turned away in a 30 minute period while the parking lot was full.
Dog parks are very social spaces. Traffic continues to increase with warmer weather, as well as other recreation facilities that are closed.
This heighted measure is meant to help prevent the spread of COVID19 as per Alberta Health directions to limit the time Albertans spend in crowds. Strathcona County has also sharpened its focus to conserve resources for vital services.
On this page
Where can I take my dog on a leash?
Dogs are allowed in most parks with the requirements of the Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw being met.
Where can't I take my dog?
Dogs are not permitted in the following areas
- playgrounds (sand, or any base, beneath playground equipment)
- tennis courts
- spray decks
- floral gardens
- the Strathcona Wilderness Centre
- artificial turf sports fields
Year-round off-leash areas
Deermound Off-leash Park
23020 Twp Rd 522 – the parking lot is on the south side of the road
Deermound was the name of a post office established in the Hillsdale area in 1911 and also for a stopping place along the old Edmonton Trail. Now, over 100 years later, County Council gave the name Deermound to the popular dog park.
Deermound Off-Leash Park is not fully fenced.There is fencing around the access area from the parking lot, but the outer perimeter is not fully enclosed.
New fenced in, small dog area at Deermound Dog Park!
Please enjoy this area if your dog is:
- Less than 30 pounds
- A less active, senior dog
- More comfortable around small dogs
Use of this area is at the owner’s discretion. All other off-leash rules apply.
NEW: Ardrossan Regional Park Off-Leash Area
80-1 Avenue, Ardrossan
Located behind the Ardrossan Recreation Complex, this off-leash park offers dog owners a fully-enclosed, fenced area and is part of the Ardrossan Regional Park.
Sally Stewart Park Off-Leash Area
Broadview Drive – East of Fun Park Amusement Centre
Sally Stewart Park is named after the first woman elected to Strathcona County Council in 1965. In 2013, Council approved the motion to name the regional park after her. The off-leash area within Sally Stewart Park is fully-fenced and opened on November 16, 2018.
Heritage Hills Off-Leash Area
260 Heritage Drive - temporary location
A fully-enclosed fenced area on the south side of Heritage Drive was created due to the construction of Heritage Hills Elementary School and the seasonal off-leash being removed. Permanent fencing and seating area will be added in 2020.
Seasonal off-leash areas
Enjoy our seasonal neighbourhood off-leash locations:
From November 1 to April 1
- Emerald Hills Diamond #1 (4501 Emerald Drive)
From May 1 to October 1
- McGhan Park Boarded Rink (441 Meadowview Court)
- Kinsmen/Westboro Boarded Rink (1011 Strathcona Drive)
Remember!
- Safety for all – Have control of your dog at all times.
- Leash up – Dogs must be on a leash in the parking lot.
- Be present – Know what your dog is doing at all times.
Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw
Learn more about your responsibility as a dog owner. Get the electronic version of the Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw or call Bylaw Services at 780-449-0170.
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Additional information
780-467-2211
recreation@strathcona.ca