There will soon be five new off-leash spots for pooches to play outdoors in Penticton.
A “leash optional” pilot project developed by the city will run from March 1 to Aug. 31, and give local pups new designated zones to play off-leash at Riverside Park, Okanagan Lake Park, two locations at Skaha Park, and 1900 Penticton Avenue (entrance of the Water Treatment Plant).
“Look for the designated zones, which will be well-marked with signage and delineators, and please be mindful that these are shared spaces within a public park or greenspace,” said Ysabel Contreras, the city’s parks, planning and capital project coordinator. “We ask that only well-behaved dogs visit these leash-optional areas and it’s important to note that they are not fenced in, so your dog must be trained to come when called.”
Council in October 2023 approved an investment of $200,000 in capital improvements to the city’s six existing off-leash dog parks. Local politicians green-lit this pilot project at the same time.
Maps and further details about each location will be made available March 1.
The city will monitor each spot and seek community feedback throughout the trial period. Some zones could close at any time due to special events, officials said.
As part of its pilot-project announcement on Thursday, the city reminded dog owners of the following bylaws regulations:
• Dogs must be monitored and under verbal control at all times
• Any dogs exhibiting aggressive behaviour must be removed immediately
• Dogs in heat are not permitted
• Each dog must have a current licence available for identification
• Owners must clean up after their dogs
• Dogs must be properly leashed when outside of the pilot project zone