The current seasonal off-leash dog area is located on a sports Field 3 in Chemainus is causing conflicts with user groups. In addition, the off-leash dog park is limited to the off-season only (September 1 to March 15).

Options to minimize these conflicts, including identifying a new year-round location, are being considered.

The community, including sports field users, dog-park users, and neighbours to the existing and potential park locations are invited to share their feedback on options and ideas.

Feedback will guide decision-making around a solution to reduce the conflict.

Current situation

During the ball season (March 16 to August 31, per the bylaw), some dog owners have been using the sports field at St. Joe’s, an unused school site that is currently for sale, making it an unsanctioned off-leash dog area.

Fields 2 and 3 infields were redone in 2023 to improve playability of the sports field, at a cost of $30,000 each. Damage to Field 3 included damage that could be attributed to dogs such as holes and damage to the pitching mound.

North Cowichan’s Animal Responsibility Bylaw indicates the designated off-leash dog areas including the following areas in Chemainus:

• Chemainus Lake Park
• Fuller Lake Park board launch area (where designated by signs)
• Chemainus Ball Park, Field 3, from September 1 to March 15
• King Beach Park foreshore (excluding other areas of Kin Beach Park), from October 1 to June 15
• Wul’aam’ (Echo) Park
• Municipal Forest Reserve

Best practices

Most municipalities in British Columbia enforce year-round bans on dogs in sports fields, playgrounds, and similar recreational areas. This is to maintain safety, cleanliness, and usability for all community members.

Proposed solutions

Three solutions to address the conflicts between user groups at Field 3 are under consideration. North Cowichan has looked at municipally owned properties in Chemainus that could accommodate an off-leash dog area.

Two new locations are under consideration, and the existing location -- Field 3 -- is also an option:

The three potential solutions are:

• Existing location, Field 3, with a change in off-leash dog use to accommodate the longer ball season (change to November 1 to March 1)
• Elm Street, a section of property adjacent to Field 3 that could include a long run area
• Elliott Street, adjacent to the skate park. This location is also being considered by Council for use as a community garden and "food forest" that is proposed by a community group. This location is also on a site being considered for affordable housing, though the timeline for that project is unknown at this time.