Kitsilano Official Off-Leash Areas (KOOLA)
Advocacy Group
Let's make Kitsilano a tail-wagging wonderland! Join the Kitsilano Official Off-Leash Areas (KOOLA) advocacy group in creating safe, off-leash spaces for our canine companions. We harbour no desire to disrupt sports activities or impede children's playtime. Our aim is simple and inclusive – we seek designated areas where our canine companions can roam freely, alongside everyone else enjoying our diverse community.
About KOOLA
Greetings fellow dog enthusiasts of Kitsilano and Vancouver!Allow us to introduce ourselves: we are the Kitsilano Official Off Leash Areas (KOOLA) advocacy group, comprised of dedicated community members and proud pet parents. Our mission is clear: to advocate for the establishment of safe and legal dog parks within our beloved neighbourhood!As responsible and licensed dog owners, we are underserved in Kitsilano as documented in the “People, Parks & Dogs” strategy published in 2017Let's dispel any misconceptions right off the bat: this isn't about drawing lines in the sand or encroaching on other recreational spaces. We harbor no desire to disrupt sports activities or impede children's playtime. Our aim is simple and inclusive – we seek designated areas where our canine companions can roam freely, alongside everyone else enjoying our diverse community.Fenced dog parks shouldn't be considered a luxury; they're a necessity for the well-being of both dogs and humans alike. They provide a haven for our furry friends while ensuring peace and comfort for those seeking solace, playing with their children, engaging in sports, or simply unwinding outdoors. Rest assured, we share your concerns about responsible pet ownership and strive to foster harmony among all members of our community.In our collective journey towards enhancing our neighborhood, mutual support is paramount. Together, we can cultivate a harmonious environment where every resident – whether two-legged or four – can relish the beauty of Kitsilano. Let's transform our shared vision into reality and make Kitsilano a haven where tails wag with joy!We cordially invite you to join us in our endeavor to create safe, off-leash spaces for our beloved canine companions. Together, we possess the power to turn this dream into a delightful reality.The number of people and dogs in Vancouver is growing. With this increase in population, it is crucial to balance difference uses of parks and public spaces. We need well-planned and designed parks with dog off-leash areas - they are essential for the comfort and safety of all park users. Providing these areas will help to minimize conflict, build community, and protect other park amenities in keeping with the "People Parks & Dogs" 2017 Strategy.IMPORTANT NOTE: Ensure that your dog/s are registered with the City of Vancouver ($61/year). This not only aligns with legal requirements but also aids in accurately gauging the canine population within our city, facilitating our advocacy efforts more effectively.
How can I help??
Here's how you can join the pack:
Call 311 to request a fenced off-leash park in Kitsilano
Email [email protected] and tell them you want a fenced dog park within a 15 minute walk from your home address
Ensure your dog is registered with the City of Vancouver! This not only aligns with legal requirements but also aids in accurately gauging the canine population within our city, facilitating our advocacy efforts more effectively
Please keep your dog on-leash at all times while walking through Kitsilano, and only take your dogs off-leash in designated areas
Share this website with the people you meet while walking your dog, by getting them to scan the QR code below
Frequently Asked Questions
What action are you taking?
We have initiated communication with the Vancouver Parks Board by formally requesting a meeting and submitting our proposal. Individually, we are consistently reaching out to the city via the provided email address on a weekly basis. Additionally, we are utilizing the 311 service as frequently as possible to ensure our concerns are being heard and addressed with the seriousness they deserve.
Don’t you already have multiple dog parks?
Regrettably, no. Within the expansive area of Kitsilano, there exists only one designated off-leash dog area, located at Hadden Beach. However, this space is only accessible to dogs part-time, excluding the hours between 10 am and 5 pm. Considering that Kitsilano is home to over 45,000 residents, with an estimated 35% of households owning at least one dog, the inadequacy becomes apparent. That means we currently have only one part-time off-leash area (unfenced) for potentially over 15,000 dogs.Moreover, within our community, numerous elderly and mobility-limited individuals own dogs. These residents face significant challenges in accessing distant fenced dog parks, as a 30-60 minute walk is completely unfeasible. The City of Vancouver has expressed its aspiration to establish a dog park within a 15-minute walking radius of every household, aligning with their overarching vision for the city.
Why fenced dog parks?
Fenced dog parks offer a secure and enjoyable environment for our beloved companions to socialize and exercise freely. This is particularly crucial for dogs undergoing training, shy personalities, or aging companions who require a safe space to roam.Furthermore, fenced parks provide assurance for pet owners, ensuring the safety of both their pets and fellow park-goers. Plus, it keeps you and your kids safe from over-enthusiastic dogs, and mitigates any conflicts with people afraid of dogs or with dog allergies!We recognize the importance of responsible pet ownership and aim to create spaces where our dogs can thrive while respecting the needs and comfort of our entire community.
What resources are available to me?
Vancouver Parks Board 2017 Strategy; "People, Parks & Dogs"Get a license for your dog through the City of Vancouver THIS IS MANDATORY
Contact Us
We're all ears! Drop us a line with any questions or ideas.