Leash Free Areas

The City of Pickering currently has three designated Leash Free Areas. All locations are fully fenced however please read the specific information on each park below. 

Dunmoore Park | Balsdon Park | Grand Valley Park

Additional information on this page includes: Dog Waste Diversion, Leash Free Area Rules, Keeping Dogs & People Safe, Leash Free Area Working Group.

Dunmoore Park Leash Free Areas

This leash free area is fully fenced and has 2 areas;  one for small dogs and another for all dogs, big and small. The larger leash free area also has a sand pit and a one of a kind Canine Activity Area for all dogs to enjoy.

The Dunmoore Park Leash Free Area is home to the GTA's (and maybe all of Ontario's) only Canine Activity Area. The Canine Activity Area is comprised of 10 individual stations where dogs and owners are given simple but fun challenges to complete together. Thank you to Pet Valu for sponsoring the Canine Activity Area.

Location

Dunmoore Leash Free area is located on Whites Road South in Pickering. View the Location Map.

Balsdon Park Leash Free Area 

The Balsdon leash free area is the smallest of the three leash free areas. This area is nestled in a subdivision just off of Liverpool Road. This location has no set parking lot and park users must park along the side of the streets. 

Location

Balsdon Leash Free Area is located at Liverpool Rd and Krosno. View the Location Map.

Grand Valley Park Leash Free Areas

Enjoy some leash free play time with your dog in Pickering's Grand Valley Park. There are 2 designated leash free areas within the park:

  1. The main leash free area is the gated and fenced area located west of the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. This is the primary area used by visitors to the park. It is important that you leash your dog when walking to this area. Once inside the leash free area, you may unleash your dog.
  2. The smaller leash free area is for those with mobility issues or for those with small dogs. This is the gated and fenced area adjacent and close to the parking lot as some users may have difficulty accessing the main off-leash area at the bottom of the hill.

Location

Grand Valley Park is located on the Third Concession, west of Valley Farm Road also known as the South Trail Head for Seaton Hiking Trail. View the Location Map.

View the Grand Valley Park Leash Free Area Pamphlet. 

Additional Information

Dog Waste Diversion

Residents can use biodegradable bags provided by the City when picking up pet waste in our leash free areas and some of our other public parks, and, is available at 14 locations throughout Pickering.

Contact our Customer Care Centre for more information.

Leash Free Area Rules

Your cooperation is required

  • Up to date licensing of your dog is a requirement to use the leash free area. All dogs should also be wearing their licence tag.
  • A maximum of 3 dogs per owner/handler are permitted in the park both in leashed and leash free areas.
  • An owner/handler, aged 16 or older, must be present and supervising their dog(s) at all times and must be solely responsible for the actions of their dog(s).
  • Owners and dogs must comply with the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law whether on or off leash.
  • Attach your dog's leash before letting your dog out of the car. It is also far better to have your dog settled and under control before removing your dog from the vehicle.
  • Take your time getting your dog into the dog park. Moving vehicles and excited dogs do not mix!
  • A dog waste diversion station has been provided adjacent to the parking area. This is one of the most important things you can use to ensure the ongoing success of this park.
  •  Please do not bring small children inside the leash free area. Dogs that are running fast in a chasing game can accidentally run into your child. Some dogs may also have strong prey drives or may not be socialized to small children.

  • At the first sign of aggression, please remove your dog from the leash free area.  It is inappropriate for your dog to body-slam, mouth/nip and jump or mount people or dogs while in the park. These behaviours can initiate a potentially harmful situation and owners should remove any dog(s) displaying these behaviours.

  • Limit the use of toys and treats to help avoid dog to dog conflict.
  • Remove dogs that play too rough.  Please leash and remove your dog it its play is making other dogs or dog owners uncomfortable.

Keeping Dogs and People Safe

Not all dogs are good candidates to take into a leash free area.  A good "dog-park" dog is:

  • well socialized to people and dogs
  • dependable with basic manners such as come, sit, down, leave-it and stay
  • healthy
  • spayed or neutered

Please do not bring the following dogs into the leash free area:

  • puppies under the age of 4 months
  • females in heat or unneutered males
  • injured, stressed or older dogs with hip dysplasia or arthritis
  • dogs with illnesses, communicable diseases, diarrhea, cough or parasites
  • dogs with serious behaviour problems in relation to other dogs or people
  • dogs who wear a prong, choke, and electronic collars

Leash Free Area Working Group

A volunteer working group meets quarterly each year to address any issues relating to the concerns with the leash free areas. The group also makes recommendations for improvements to the facilities and is responsible for the general upkeep, observing the behaviour of dogs and owners using the area, informing pet owners of the rules that govern the use of the leash free area and advising Animal Services if enforcement of violations is required.

Now that the City has 3 leash free areas, staff will be actively looking for volunteer working members to represent each location. The three parks include Grand Valley, Balsdon and Dunmoore.

For more information or to join, please email animalservices@pickering.ca

Dogs enjoying some leash free play time