CAMPBELL RIVER AND SCHOOL DISTRICT 72
City and School District Partner to Open Two Temporary Off-Leash Dog Parks

The City of Campbell River (the City), in partnership with School District 72 (SD72), is establishing two temporary designated off-leash dog parks within the community with an agreement that allows for this use for up to five years. The agreement outlines that the City will operate and maintain the dog parks, which will be located on SD72 land at:

• the field adjacent to the Robron Rotary Field House, accessible via Birch Street South, and
• the corner of Petersen Road and Evergreen Road.

Temporary dog park to open on the corner of Petersen Road and Evergreen Road.

"With over 2,800 dogs registered in Campbell River, and based on feedback received from residents, there is a well-established need for additional off-leash areas in the community," says City of Campbell River Manager, Elle Brovold. "This short-term partnership formalizes long-standing community use of these spaces, which are already popular with dog owners. The new dog parks will provide an immediate solution for owners to responsibly exercise their pets while allowing the City additional time to explore permanent solutions."

The City is currently working on an update to the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan and the City and School District are working to develop a Memorandum of Understanding to guide the future development and use of the lands at Robron Field for the benefit of the community.

Dog Park Etiquette and Operation

The new dog parks will open in mid-summer 2025, in conjunction with the adoption of an animal control bylaw amendment designating the two locations as off-leash dog parks. They will operate on the same schedule as the Penfield Dog Park, and open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Each site will include waste bag dispensers, garbage bins and benches.
• Signage will be posted to outline park etiquette and promote respectful, shared use.
• Fencing with gate access will be in place to maintain the continued use and enjoyment of nearby spaces by the schools and other community members.
• A dog-friendly water fountain will be added at the Evergreen site. Users of the Robron site are encouraged to continue to use the dog-accessible fountain available close by.

"We are pleased to partner with the City of Campbell River on this five-year agreement that designates select unused school district lands as off-leash dog parks," says Kevin Patrick, SD72 secretary-treasurer. "This agreement reflects a collaborative, community-focused approach to shared land use, offering safe and dedicated spaces for off-leash activities."

Temporary dog park to open in the field adjacent to the Robron Rotary Field House, accessible via Birch Street South.

• Penfield Dog Park (designated off-leash site)
• Doggie Point at McIvor Lake (dogs must be under control)

View a map of all off-leash dog park areas and dog park rules, at campbellriver.ca/animal-control. For more information, email AnimalControl@campbellriver.ca or call 236-472-1013.