Please note that all of the factors mentioned below will be taken into consideration when reviewing the dog-walking policies within Stonebridge Parks.

Dog Walking

The "Off Leash" dog policy is subject to annual review in coordination with the Community and the City.  Renewal is based on the success of the program, and everyone is asked to please play their part by acting responsibly "for the sake of the dogs" - who love to run free.

Within  WC Levesque Fields:

In cooperation with the City of Ottawa, Levesque Fields are designated "off-leash permitted" with the following conditions:

Owners must always be able to control off leash dogs either physically or by command if required and not allow dogs to disappear out of sight. Agressive breeds or dogs that may pose a threat to people or other dogs are not to be unleashed. The intended zone  for off leash is the grassy sportsfield areas inside the footpath surrounding the park. Only one dog per handler is allowed off leash at any time in order to maintain control

Dogs must be on leash near the Children's Play Lot and no dogs are permitted within 5 metres of the sand, play area or structure Dogs must also be on leash when simply walking along footpath which goes through this play area

Within Stonebridge Trail:

The Stonebridge Trail is a designated on-leash zone (for safety) since it is a narrow trail  that can  bring dogs into  unavoidable contact with any oncoming pedestrians/cyclists/other dogs.  An unleashed dog can sometimes run ahead  of owner beyond visual contact and control  and is also presented with an opportunity to run through the bush and  may pursue small animals/nesting birds.  Stoop and scoop remains in effect per usual.

Within Golflinks Kids Lot:

Golflinks park is designated as "Dogs on Leash".  No dogs are permitted within 5 metres of the sand, play area or structure. Due to the very small size of park it is recommended that dogs simply not be brought to the park.  Proposal to change the designation to "No Dogs Allowed"

Within Kilbirnie Park:     

Kilbirine Park is designated as "Dogs on Leash". No dogs are permitted within 5 metres of the sand, play area, splash pad or structure.

Grooming

Pet owners are asked to please pick-up their dog fur and to groom away from the playground and other common areas.  Leaving the clumps of fur behind is akin to littering and affects people with allergies when left near the common areas.

Poop and Scoop

All parks maintain a strict poop and scoop policy.  The garbage bins near the playgrounds are not to be used for animal waste disposal.

 Poop Facts 

• Dog feces is a protein by-product. As such it will kill most lawns, not fertilize.
• Being protein, the feces will attract rats. Rats will eat the undigested protein found in the fectal matter.
• Dog poop can carry a number of zoonatic (transferable between animal and human) deseases.

Health Issues

• Women who are pregnant are at risk of several zoonatic deseases from dog feces. If you are pregnant, wear a mask when you scoop.
• Children who have open cuts, sores, or dirty hands can be exposed to round worms, tape worms, and whip worms, which can have eggs remain in the soil waiting for a host for years.  A child puts a dirty hand in their mouth or scratches an eye, transfers an egg and becomes infected.
• People with suppressed immune systems due to desease or are taking drugs that lower the immune system at risk from deseases spread in dog feces.

Environmental Issues

• Dog feces is not fertilizer. In fact it will kill the grass.
• Dog feces can get into the ground water and polute our drinking water.
• Storm drain run off is partially made up of animal waste. It will increase the chance of an algae bloom  causing a water plant and fish kill.
• Beaches have been closed due to high fectal matter in the water.