Off-Leash Policy, Enforcement, and Licensing

Question 1

Why is enforcement of the 2025 Off-Leash Strategy important?

This policy aligns with my broader goals around shared public space stewardship, community safety, and environmental protection. I will advocate for strong, consistent enforcement of the 2025 Off-Leash Strategy because clear rules and predictable behaviour in our parks protect everyone who shares these spaces: children, seniors, other pets, and the environment. When the City's standards are followed, off-leash areas function as they were intended: safe, well-maintained, and respectful of surrounding neighbourhoods. Enforcing the Strategy is ultimately about fairness and accountability, ensuring that public spaces remain welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for all residents.

As with many things, education is essential, but on its own, it cannot solve all the issues. Education is a core pillar of the 2025 Off-Leash Strategy, but the Strategy is explicit that education must work alongside enforcement and clear rules, not instead of them, and it makes this clear in this statement: "promote responsible dog ownership through community engagement, positive education, and bylaw enforcement." Education works for people who want to comply. The City's challenge is the subset of owners who ignore rules even when they are well-publicized. A balanced approach is what the Strategy calls for. Compliance depends on education, enforcement, and proper infrastructure. Together, these approaches are the tools that create safe, predictable parks. Relying solely on education leaves wildlife, children, and other park users vulnerable.

Question 2

As future Councillor, what will you do to improve off-leash areas so they are used responsibly?

As Councillor, I am prepared to strengthen the City's off-leash system so that dog owners (and their dogs) have safe, well-designed spaces that support responsible use and deter negligent or irresponsible behaviour. This includes:

• Improving the design and condition of existing off-leash areas. I will work with Parks, Forestry and Recreation to ensure off-leash areas (OLAs) meet the updated 2025 design standards: adequate fencing, durable surfacing, proper drainage, and clear separation from sensitive natural areas. Well-designed spaces reduce conflict, improve safety, and make responsible use easier. Cruickshank Park sees heavy daily use. Cyclists, seniors, families, and dog walkers all share the same narrow trail, resulting in conflicts. This is a textbook example of where education alone is not enough and where the Strategy's "responsible use plus enforcement" approach applies.
• Expanding off-leash areas where demand is high. York South–Weston has limited OLA coverage. I will advocate for new, appropriately located OLAs in underserved neighbourhoods so residents have accessible, legal spaces to exercise their dogs. When legal options are available, illegal off-leash activity decreases.
• Ensuring clear signage and communication. I will support consistent, visible signage that explains rules, hours, and boundaries. Clear communication reduces unintentional violations and helps residents understand where off-leash activity is permitted.
• Supporting targeted enforcement in high-risk areas. Education alone cannot address persistent violations. I will work with Municipal Licensing and Standards to ensure predictable patrols and enforcement in ravines, Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs), and parks with repeated complaints. Enforcement is essential to protecting wildlife, preventing erosion, and maintaining safe shared spaces.

The Humber River corridor is one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in the ward. Illegal off-leash activity is a recurring issue along the multi-use trail, riverbank restoration zones, and forested ESA sections near Weston and Raymore. These areas contain ground-nesting birds, sensitive vegetation, and active restoration sites. They are not designed for off-leash use, and the Strategy explicitly prioritizes enforcement in ravines and ESAs.

The average follow-up response time for a standard 311 service request regarding an off-leash dog is up to 5 days. Clearly, this is not acceptable. To improve this, I will support a more responsive, data-driven enforcement model that aligns with the City's 2025 Off-Leash Strategy.

• Targeted deployment: enforcement should be prioritized in locations with repeated complaints, such as the Humber River ravine, Cruickshank Park, and Eglinton Flats, rather than relying on citywide averages.
• Real-time coordination: I will support clearer triaging between 311 and Municipal Licensing and Standards, with high-risk calls escalated for faster response.
• Proactive patrols: officers present in known hotspots reduce response time to zero and improve compliance through visibility.
• Better reporting tools: residents should be able to provide precise locations, patterns, and times of recurring violations so patrols can be scheduled strategically rather than reactively.

Question 3

Protecting Environmentally Significant Areas and community green spaces

I will support fencing, boundary markers, and enforcement where needed to prevent illegal off-leash activity in sensitive natural areas. These spaces require active stewardship to remain healthy and accessible. Example: at Eglinton Flats, illegal off-leash activity has been reported in the wetland edges and garden areas. This is a location where fencing, signage, and enforcement would directly protect sensitive habitat.

Question 4

Strengthening community engagement

I will support the Strategy's commitment to structured community engagement, including local feedback on OLA design, maintenance, and behaviour expectations. When residents feel ownership over these spaces, compliance improves.

Question 5

How important is dog licensing, and how would you improve licensing rates?

Dog licensing is a foundational component of responsible pet ownership in Toronto. When licensing rates are low, the City cannot reliably assess demand, forecast service needs, or ensure that costs are shared fairly among dog owners. From a public safety perspective, licensing helps reunite lost pets with their families and ensures that dogs have up-to-date vaccinations. It also reinforces accountability: licensed owners are more likely to follow leash rules, use off-leash areas appropriately, and comply with by-laws.

In short, dog licensing is important because it supports animal welfare, strengthens enforcement capacity, improves planning for off-leash infrastructure, and ensures that the City's investments in parks and shelters are matched by the revenue needed to maintain them.

As Councillor, I would prioritize increasing licensing compliance through a combination of education, accessibility, and enforcement.

• Education and visibility: many residents are unaware of the requirement or do not understand its purpose. Clear communication at veterinary clinics, pet stores, off-leash areas, and through digital channels would help residents understand how licensing directly supports shelters, enforcement, and improvements to off-leash areas.
• Streamlined licensing options: automatic renewal reminders, simplified online registration, and integration with other City services would reduce barriers and increase compliance.
• Incentive-based approaches: reduced fees for early registration, multi-year licenses, or partnerships with veterinarians to offer bundled licensing at the time of vaccination have been effective in other municipalities.
• Predictable, fair enforcement: when only a small fraction of dogs are licensed, responsible owners bear the cost while others benefit without contributing. Targeted enforcement, particularly in off-leash areas and parks with repeated issues, would help ensure consistent application across the city.

A modernized, accessible, and well-communicated licensing system is essential to achieving these goals. I believe a massive overhaul is actively underway.