Dog Parks

Rapid expansion of the city and the design of larger green spaces has resulted in more coyote sightings. Coyotes are common in all major municipalities across Canada. Coyotes can be seen in residential and commercial areas, especially if food and shelter are readily available.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding coyotes or other wildlife within City limits, please contact Parks Pest Management at 306-975-3300. If there is an emergency, please contact Saskatoon Police Service at 306-975-8300.

Here is what to do if you have a close encounter with a coyote:

• Never approach the animal;
• Look for a way out;
• Be observant of the coyote’s movement;
• Act assertive, yell, and wave your arms so that coyotes maintain a healthy respect for humans;
• Ensure the animal has an escape route and enough space to flee the situation; and
• Keep pets on a leash and under control.

Here are some tips to help avoid a coyote encounter in your yard:

• Never feed coyotes or leave food waste in accessible areas;
• Do not put meat, eggs, or dairy in compost bins;
• Seal off access to decks and other sheltered spaces in your yard;
• If you feed your pets outdoors, bring the food in at night; and
• Close the gate to your yard and make sure fencing is in good condition

The City of Saskatoon Recreation and Community Development Division has identified a District Park within the Brighton neighbourhood for the development of a new Dog Park. This development will take place as construction allows.

Chief Whitecap Dog Park

The City of Saskatoon is currently in the process of formalizing an off-leash recreation area within Chief Whitecap Park. 

Chief Whitecap Park is located south of Saskatoon at the southern most point of Saskatchewan Crescent, near Riverside Golf Club. The area provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore three different ecological systems within the same area. At the top of the river valley near the park entrance, the area is comprised primarily of prairie grassland. As you venture into the valley working your way towards the riverbank, you enter a large area comprised of trees, bushes, and shrubs, many native to the area. At the very heart of the valley, visitors can access the South Saskatchewan River where they are greeted by soft sandy beaches and sandbars.  One formalized, Chief Whitecap Dog Park will definitely be a destination for any dog walker and nature lover.  

Other Developments

The City recognizes the demand for Dog Park facilities and continues to identify space for dog park development.     

BACKGROUND

The City of Saskatoon (City) Dog Park Ambassador Program is a volunteer-led approach to educate citizens about responsible pet ownership and to ensure safety in off-leash areas. 

The program was established as part of the City’s commitment to work with, and support pet owners to comply with our bylaws in the ten city operated dog parks.  Our Animal Control Bylaw (Bylaw #7860), for example, requires dog owners to remove dog waste and to keep their dog under control at all times for everyone’s safety.  In addition, Dog Park Ambassadors are also the “eyes and ears” within the dog parks and provide an avenue for citizens to express ideas and concerns which is then passed along to City Staff. 

HOW TO CONTACT MY AMBASSADOR?

Established Groups can be found by searching Facebook using their appropriate name and off-leash recreation area. For example, search for “Sutherland Beach Off-Leash Recreation Area”.

HOW TO BECOME AN AMBASSADOR?

Have your voice heard! If you have a passion for dogs and are active in your community (or want to be), the City of Saskatoon is looking for Dog Park Ambassadors. A Dog Park Ambassador works closely with the City’s Animal Services Coordinator in the education, promotion, and continuous improvement of Dog Parks.

For more information on how you can become involved, contact:

Shane Carter (Open Space Consultant)

306-975-8478