Off Leash in the Off Leash Zone
Trinity Bellwoods has one of the largest off-leash areas for dogs in all Toronto City parks – the pit (or bowl) – which lies between Dundas and Queen Streets and is accessible using either roads and stairs from both the north and south ends of the park.

Please let your dogs off leash in this area only. This area was designated as off leash with the support of the community, and if the community becomes concerned about dogs running off leash in other parts of the park, that community support can be withdrawn and the off leash area can be revoked.

Control your Dog at All Times
You should be able to verbally recall your dog under any situation (screaming kids, noisy biker, dog dispute, etc). This is particularly important in an urban park because it is a quick run for your dog to either of Dundas or Queen Streets and danger.
If your dog is new and/or does not have this level of control, watch your dog at all times in the off-leash area and control them before a problem arises. It is far easier to call your dog to your side before a jogger goes by than to have to explain to the police why your dog is not a danger to others. If your dog bites someone you are going to be held accountable, no matter what the circumstances are.

Sharing the Bowl
While the bowl is the official “off leash” area for dogs, it is not for the exclusive use of dogs. There are events that use the bowl from time to time, and others share the bowl with dogs and their owners. Dog owners are asked to be cognizant and respectful of others in the bowl.

On Leash in the On Leash Zones
Dog owners are asked to walk their dogs on leash in the upper parts of the park.
Even if your dog or dogs are well-behaved, they can be scary to others and owners can be oblivious of those fears. They can also get ahead of you or behind you and make a mess that is missed or that you cannot find. The upper parts of the park are more readily accessible to the main streets and to danger.

The City has been receiving complaints from the community about dogs running off leash in the main part of the park. While they do not want to, the City will send in By-Law officers and police to enforce the leash by-law if dog owners do not voluntarily obey the law. The fine for a dog being off leash in an on leash zone is $350! In 2006, 20 tickets and over 350 warnings were issued. If the by-law enforcement officers and police are sent in, there will be no warnings.

Stoop and Scoop!
All dog owners are required to stoop and scoop. In 2009 our Park has been selected for a dog waste diversion pilot program. The City will introduce and supply a special bin and waste disposal bags. A Friends rep was out this May 30, 31, with paper bag samples. It's an exciting program and great that Trinity was chosen for the pilot program. And if you own a dog, it's a great opportunity to show your support for the environment and the Park.

Dogs and the Playground
No dogs are allowed in playground or in the wading pool. Public health rules require the staff to drain the pool, fill and re-test it if a dog so much as dips a paw in the pool. This process takes 45 minutes – an eternity to a toddler or young child – even longer to the harassed Mom/Dad/caregiver who has to find alternate amusement for the duration.

Improvement of the Bowl or Pit
We recognize the bowl is not the perfect environment for dogs and their owners. In spring and fall it can be a mud pit. There is no water supply – for people or dogs. The eastern slope is a haven for burdock and the nasty burrs that catch in our dogs’ coats.

We will be working with the Parks Department and dog owners to improve the space. We are pleased to inform dog owners that the Parks Department cut down a large portion of the burdock weed on the east slope of the bowl in the Fall of 2006 and plans to do so in the Spring and Fall for the next 2 years, to eradicate it. During the Friends subsequent Park Days, volunteers continue to dig up the remaining burdock and root. And plant sumach and other native trees in hopes of it taking over the burdock.

While changes cannot happen overnight, and funds are very limited, we will be dialoguing with dog owners in the park to see what they would like to see as improvements in the bowl. Some suggestions to date have been:
 A fenced in area for small dogs or puppies;
 A water source;
 More comfortable seating for dog owners;
 A composting bin (buried) for dog feces;
 A bulletin board with place for bags (coming soon);
 More garbage and recycling bins, especially during the winter;
 A wading pool for the dogs (this is not something that can be implemented because of liability issues about a pool of water left unsupervised in a public park); and
 A small obstacle or agility course for dogs.

If you have suggestions for improvement to the bowl, would like to be involved in organizing events for dogs in the park, or have any overall suggestions for smoothing relations between dogs and other users in the park, please e-mail: dogs@trinitybellwoods.ca

Dogs in Trinity Bellwoods
Are you and your dog(s) regulars in the park? Send photos or stories of you and your dog(s) in the park to dogs@trinitybellwoods.ca, for posting on the Trinity Bellwoods Dogs in the Park photo gallery.