Hay River begins construction on series of off-leash dog parks

The Town of Hay River is working on opening multiple off-leash dog parks in the community, with the first planned to open on Vale Island by fall.

Vale Island will be the first park to open, with more planned for the Keith Broadhead Park, Don Wright ball park and in the 553 area.

Stephane Millette, director of recreation at the town, told Cabin Radio the Vale Island park will be a fenced-off area about half the size of a ball diamond, in the corner of a multi-use recreation area.

“There will be a double gate system at the entrance to the park so that owners can bring their dogs into that little double gate area, dogs can smell and smell each other, and owners can determine if they want to bring a dog in,” he said.

The area will also include some shady trees, light poles, tables, benches and bear-proof garbage cans provided for the pets and their owners. Millette said bags for picking up waste will be provided, but he suggested that owners bring their own.

The other off-leash parks will be very similar in design and function, Millette said.

“The main difference is that we will be making use of existing fencing at those other locations to section off a portion of those existing greenspaces to create fenced off-leash dog parks.”

Senior Administrative Officer Glenn Smith said off-leash parks have been identified as a community need for several years.

“[It’s] a tool that will be valued for socializing dogs in the community, and also allows people a common area to go meet and interact with people and other other pet lovers. We’re very happy that this year we are finally getting those plans into place,” he said.

Opening dates for the various off-leash areas are not set yet, but Smith said Vale Island will be opened before the fall, and the other locations before the end of this year.

“We’re definitely seeing … a higher percentage of pets, so it’s good just to have a safe space where animals and their owners can interact, socialize, and get them some activity.

“It does reduce some of the concerns we might have with enforcement in other areas that do require leashes. So a lot of positives tied into it for a relatively low cost,” said Smith.

The cost of the construction was not immediately available.