Pacific Spirit Park Un-Leashes Some Walk Back On Their Commitment

A Bone of Contention

Welcome back, Fetching Forever friends! If you loved our recent guide to Vancouver's top dog parks, you know how much we value those precious off-leash moments for our furry family members. But this week, our tails are wagging with a mix of frustration and excitement, a true yin and yang of the Vancouver dog-loving experience.

The Pacific Spirit Park Predicament: A Leash Law Bait-and-Switch?

Remember way back when the leash debate at Pacific Spirit Park was making headlines? We certainly do. Back in 2014, as reported by Global News, the message was clear: no changes to the off-leash policy were coming. Many of us breathed a sigh of relief, cherishing that sprawling natural haven where our dogs could truly run free and explore. It felt like a victory for responsible dog owners and the unique ecosystem of the park.

Fast forward to this week, and what do we see? A suspiciously familiar tune. Metro Vancouver has launched a new survey regarding Pacific Spirit Park. Now, while surveys can be valuable tools for gathering community input, let's call a spade a spade, shall we? This feels less like genuine consultation and more like a soft launch for the leash changes they seemingly promised wouldn't happen.

We, and countless other responsible dog owners, have enjoyed the privilege of off-leash areas in Pacific Spirit Park for years. We understand the importance of respecting the environment and other park users. The vast majority of us are diligent about recall, waste disposal, and ensuring our dogs are well-behaved. So why the sudden shift in tone? Why the resurfacing of an issue that was supposedly put to rest?

This isn't just about a leash; it's about trust. It's about feeling like our voices were heard only to have the rug pulled out from under us a decade later. Pacific Spirit Park is a vital space for our dogs' physical and mental well-being, offering an experience that many other urban parks simply can't replicate. Restricting off-leash access would be a significant loss for our community.

We need your voice! Metro Vancouver's survey is open now, and it's crucial that dog lovers across the city make their opinions heard loud and clear. Don't let this perceived bait-and-switch go unchallenged. Take a few minutes to fill out the survey and advocate for the continuation of responsible off-leash access at Pacific Spirit Park. Let them know that we remember the promises made, and we value this invaluable space for our canine companions.

You can find the survey here: https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/05/14/metro-vancouver-opens-survey-on-pacific-spirit-park/

Let's show them the strength and passion of Vancouver's dog-loving community!

A Paw-sitive Development: Welcome to the Queen Elizabeth Park Off-Leash Area!

Now, for the delightful yang to our Pacific Spirit Park yin! In fantastic news, the City of Vancouver has officially opened a brand-new off-leash dog area in the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park!

As reported on the city's news calendar, this exciting addition caters to our growing "pup-ulation" and provides another fantastic space for our furry friends to socialize, exercise, and simply enjoy being dogs. Queen Elizabeth Park already offers stunning views and lovely walking trails, and now, having a dedicated off-leash zone adds another wonderful reason to visit.

This new area represents a positive step forward in recognizing the needs of dog owners within our urban environment. It’s a testament to the fact that our city understands the importance of providing safe and accessible spaces for our beloved companions to stretch their legs and make new friends.

We encourage you to check out this new off-leash area! Let your pups enjoy the freedom to roam in a designated and safe environment. It’s a breath of fresh air (literally!) and a welcome addition to Vancouver’s dog-friendly landscape.

Finding Balance:

This week has brought a mix of emotions for Vancouver dog owners. The potential changes at Pacific Spirit Park are concerning and require our active participation in the consultation process. However, the opening of the new off-leash area in Queen Elizabeth Park is a bright spot, to be sure.

Let's channel our frustration into action regarding Pacific Spirit Park. By working together and making our voices heard, we can continue to advocate for the needs of our amazing dogs and ensure Vancouver remains a truly dog-friendly city.

Stay tuned to the Fetching Forever blog for more updates and insights into the wonderful world of dogs in Vancouver! Now, go give your pup an extra wiggle for us!