Metro Vancouver opens survey on leash use in Pacific Spirit Park

Metro Vancouver is seeking opinions that could change the way dogs and their owners use one of the busiest parks in the region.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park, located on Vancouver’s west side, has over 55 kilometres of mixed-used trails, some of which currently require dogs to be on a leash and the remaining 65 per cent is designated as “leash-optional.”

Metro Vancouver Regional District says it is currently reviewing its Pacific Spirit Dog Management Plan in response to “safety incidents, user conflicts, and ecological impacts involving off-leash dogs… This review will assess and seek to make improvements to the trail designations, signage, and public education and bylaw enforcement program.”

Starting Wednesday, the district says it wants to “hear from you” and has published an online survey for parkgoers to weigh in on the issue.

The district said data from the survey will be considered alongside other data to help revise the dog management program.

“Any changes in the park are expected to be implemented in fall 2025,” says the district.

In a statement to 1130 NewsRadio, a Metro Vancouver spokesperson said there were around 400 incident reports at Pacific Spirit Regional Park related to dogs over the last five years.

“Of those reports, in 2024, there were 13 incidents of dog-related injuries and/or attacks — and 14 in 2023.”

The survey is open until June 4.

—With files from Charlie Carey