Off-leash recreation areas (OLRAs) are naturalized spaces where dogs are legally permitted to be off-leash but must still be under the control of their owner or handler. This allows both owner/handler and companion animal to enjoy exercise together while socializing with others doing likewise. There are a number of designated off-leash recreation areas throughout Saskatoon.

Why "off-leash recreation area" and not "dog park"?

Off-leash recreation areas are places for people and their pets. There is a large and growing number of users of off-leash recreation areas, and an increasing demand for these amenities. The City of Saskatoon believes these areas should have a name that accurately reflects their usage. The choice of the term "off-leash recreation area" recognizes and supports the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the development of a sense of "community" while avoiding the notion that parks are being created "just for dogs".

OLRAs are for licensed pets only. Owners (or persons having control) of unlicensed pets will be ticketed if found in an OLRA.

The creation of off-leash recreational areas and the rules and regulations surrounding the use of these areas is set out in Sections 10 – 10.2 of Bylaw No. 7860: The Animal Control Bylaw, 1999. Click here for access to this bylaw.  Users are also advised of the rules and regulations at the entrance to each OLRA. Click here to view.

OLRA Locations:

·         In Avalon - At the south end of Broadway Avenue and adjacent to Glasgow Street; 

·         North of Hampton Village - Between Junor Avenue and the airport.  Access by taking circle road past condo units to the west of Hampton Village Circle;  

·         Near Silverwood - Adjacent to the northeast corner of the Silverwood Golf Course, along riverbank north to the city limits.  Access off of Kinnear Avenue or the east end of Adilman Drive;

·         Near Briarwood - 0.4 km north of 8th Street on the east side of McOrmond Drive adjacent to City of Saskatoon Compost Depot (south of Wilson's Greenhouse on McOrmond Drive);

·         Sutherland Beach - Across Circle Drive from Preston Crossing (at the northeast corner of the Circle Drive Bridge). Access off of Central Avenue just north of Attridge Drive or from Spadina Crescent by taking the pedestrian walkway under Circle Drive Bridge; and 

·         In Montgomery - Temporarily closed.  Expected to be reopened in a new location as soon as possible.  

Click here for a map of the current off-leash areas (pdf).

A new OLRA has been approved for the southeast sector of the City with construction of this facility to be undertaken in 2012.  This fully fenced OLRA will be located within Hyde Park.

Space for an OLRA has also been approved within the Chief Whitecap Park masterplan.

The City recognizes the demand for OLRA facilities and continues to identify potential space for OLRA development.

Off-Leash Recreation Area User Groups:

The City has established an off-leash recreation area user group for each of the existing OLRAs.  These user groups work with Animal Services to enhance their OLRA in terms of both educating users on proper conduct and improving the layout along with the amenities provided.

Introductory meetings of the OLRA user groups were held in June of 2008. If you are interested in joining one of the groups, please contact Animal Services:

By phone at 975-2400 or by email.

Please include all your contact information and the OLRA user group you would like to be a part of.