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CHATTER: Huron St. Playground going leash-free (Jan. 2021)

January 27th, 2021 · No Comments

300 square metres of off-leash freedom is being implemented on the West side of the park. BRIAN BURCHELL/GLEANER NEWS

The Annex has just three designated off-leash dog park areas: Bickford Park, Ramsden Park, and Vermont Square Park. A 2018 motion to add a fourth off-leash area (OLA) in the neighbourhood is now underway at Huron Street Playground. Located just northwest of Bloor Street West and St. George Street, the park currently has a few playground structures including a rope climber, a sandbox, a swing set, and a small rock-climbing structure. 

According to Jaclyn Carlisle, Senior Communications Coordinator with the City of Toronto, they plan to add a new fence, accessible benches, artificial turf along with mulch surfacing around the trees, and a water fountain with a dog bowl. The OLA will take up 300 square metres of the park on its west side, and will be open throughout regular park hours.

Generally, all owners and dogs are welcomed at any OLA, but there are different amenities in the OLAs labelled by the city; commercial dog-walker areas, specific fenced areas, and small dog areas. 

Ramsden Park will be an example of a small dog area for dogs under 20 pounds. There will also be a general fenced area for dogs to run around in. The OLA addition to Huron Street Playground will have a commercial dog walker area, meaning professional dog walkers will be welcome at this OLA. More information on what type of amenities are included in any OLA is on the City of Toronto website. Walkers and owners can also get fined $365 if dogs are unleashed outside of OLAs. 

According to the city’s website, the project’s current state is within the design development stage, and they plan to start construction on the park in the summer of 2021. 

—Mary An/Gleaner News

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Tags: Annex · News