Dog Off-Leash Recreation Areas
Dog Off-Leash Recreation Areas (DOLRAs) are areas set aside for residents to exercise and socialize their dogs off-leash in a protected environment, without being in contravention of municipal by-laws.
Bayview Drive and Sunnidale Park DOLRAs remain OPEN at this time.
Barrie has two DOLRAs. The City is assessing sites for potential additional sites. As details become available they will be included on this webpage.
Bayview Drive DOLRA
555 Bayview Drive
Secure Fenced Ar?eas
This DOLRA offers two separate, fenced areas. One .25-acre area is reserved for small dogs up to a maximum weight limit of 30 pounds. The other 1.8-acre area is open to all dogs regardless of size/weight.
Unsecured Natural Area
Dogs are also permitted off-leash in the natural area beyond the pens. Perimeter fencing is installed but the area is not secure due to gaps under the fence line (as a result of uneven terrain), overland waterflows, and movements of small animals. Owners are advised to choose appropriately for their dog.
Parking
The closest parking lot to the area's walk-in entrance is the north arena lot, but alternate parking is available in the south-east parking lot when the north lot is closed for arena events. When possible, the City communicates closure of the north lot via Facebook and Twitter
Sunnidale Park DOLRA
227 Sunnidale Road
The Sunnidale Park DOLRA is 7.15 acres of natural, rolling setting with earthen footpaths. The area is NOT wheelchair accessible. The DOLRA is double-gated with 4' high wire mesh fencing. Parking is available at the Dorian Parker Centre, 227 Sunnidale Road, along Sunnidale Road, and on Coulter Street. Upgrades to trails, the addition of two permanent bridges, new benches, and regeneration and restoration of vegetation and soil were completed in 2020.
Caution: Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy is a naturally occurring plant in the natural areas in Barrie. It is found in both off-leash areas. Learn to recognize poison ivy and avoid it by staying on existing trails. The City uses herbicides to remove poison ivy and signs are posted to warn residents when spraying occurs.
User Guidelines
- These are not supervised facilities. People and dogs visiting the DOLRA do so at their own risk.
- Owners will be held liable for all actions of their dogs.
- Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the off-leash areas.
- Owners must be present, with a leash for each dog, and in view of their dog(s) at all times.
- Aggressive dogs are not permitted in the off-leash area. Owners will be prosecuted and are liable for all damages and injuries subject to the provisions of the Dog Owners' Liability Act.
- All dogs must be wearing current registration tags and have up-to-date rabies vaccination.
- Dog feces must be picked up and disposed of by the owner in the receptacles provided.
- No more than two dogs per owner within the DOLRA area.
- Unattended dogs that are tied up outside the DOLRA are not permitted.
- No people-food, breakables, spiked or chain link collars permitted in the off-leash area.
- All dogs must be leashed outside of the DOLRA as per the Animal Control By-Law.
- DOLRAs are not recommended for children under the age of 18. The parent/guardian is advised to closely supervise children at all times.
- This park is for the enjoyment of people and their canine pets. No other animals allowed.
- Pit-Bull-type dogs must be leashed and muzzled at all times pursuant to the amended Dog Owners' Liability Act. Leash-free areas are not exempt from the Act. Pit Bull owners are liable to fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to 6 months for contraventions. Report unmuzzled or unleashed Pit Bull Type Dogs to City of Barrie Enforcement Services at (705) 739-4241
Related Links
Dog Owners' Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. D.16 (ontario.ca)
Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Staff Report: Dog Water Access (Jan. 2019)
For more information on trails or to view a trail video by activity please go to the OTC Youtube Channel
Ontario Trails do not own or manage any trails. Check with the identified manager before using this trail. Do not trespass, allowed uses only.
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