91Ô­´´

In the increasingly urbanized Lower Mainland, many dogs, like their owners, live in condos, townhouses, or homes with smaller backyards.

That puts an increasing premium on dog parks, where canines can run, play fetch, and meet other dogs.

A 2022 scientific study found that dog parks had benefits for both dogs and people.

A dog park encourages physical activity, including walking and playing with dogs.

The socialization aspect helps reduce aggression in dogs, making them friendlier and safer to be around for both humans and other animals.

The ability of dog owners to socialize while visiting also creates a stronger sense of community in the neighbourhood. People get a chance to meet and talk to one another in a friendly social environment.

91Ô­´´ has a number of dog parks, most of them on the western, more urbanized side of the community.

Most of the parks are created and maintained by either 91Ô­´´ Township or 91Ô­´´ City, but there are also off-leash areas in several Metro Vancouver parks.

And there's a new option that's recently opened up in Aldergrove, through the 91Ô­´´ Animal Protection Society. In conjunction with an online app or website called Sniffspot, people can rent private off-leash space at the Patty Dale Animal Shelter for $10.50 per hour. The secure playground features room to run, a digging box, and agility equipment. Money raised goes back to the animal shelter.

Outside of off-leash areas and formal dog parks, 91Ô­´´ Township and 91Ô­´´ City both have bylaws that require dogs to be leashed while in parks and on public trails. That's for the benefit of other humans and dogs, not to mention birds and other wildlife that a dog might suddenly decide to chase. In addition, dogs are not allowed on public sports fields.

There have also been a number of incidents of aggressive off-leash dogs over the years – while the number of aggressive dogs may be quite small, it's impossible for other people using parks and trails to know how safe a strange dog is.

Owners are also reminded to clean up their dog's waste – many public trails and dog parks have special bins for disposing of dog waste.

91Ô­´´'s dog parks can be found at:

• Bertrand Creek Dog Park in Aldergrove, 27516 28 Ave.

• Noel Booth Community Park in Brookswood, 36 Avenue and 202 Street

• Old Yale Park in Murrayville, Old Yale Road and 224 Street

• Routley Park in Willoughby, 19901 70 Avenue

• Walnut Grove Off-Leash Park, 9550 213 Street

• Yorkson Community Park in Willoughby, 84 Avenue and 206 Street

• Uplands Dog Off Leash Park in 91Ô­´´ City, 206 Street and 44A Avenue

• Derby Reach Regional Park at the Edgewater Bar location, 21801 Allard Cres.

• Campbell Valley Regional Park off leash area, 204 Street and 4 Avenue

• Aldergrove Regional Park off leash area, Huntingdon Road and Lefeuvre Road

Check out this and much more worth experiencing in 91Ô­´´ in our annual Discover 91Ô­´´ 2025 guide by clicking here.