Kenora Opens New Dog Park

Today Mayor and Council officially unlocked the gate to the City’s first permanent off-leash dog park. The new dog park, located behind the A & W ball diamonds, answers the call from dog enthusiasts for a much needed off-leash space in the municipality.

Work began in the spring of 2021 to overhaul the 2.5 acres of vacant land creating a suitable place for dogs to socialize and exercise. This completely fenced-in site offers two separated areas for play and leash-free running, one for puppies and small breeds and the other for large dogs. Highlights of the new park include walking paths, benches, agility props, and lighting for evening visits. A repurposed fire hydrant dispenses fresh City water to keep canines hydrated during their increased activity at the park.

The project was a collaborative effort of skills and resources by City staff in Parks, Facilities, Roads, Sewer and Water, and only the fencing was installed by an outside source. This fall a tree donated by Kenora Home Hardware Building Centre will be planted at the park.

In March of 2021, Council approved $90,000 to construct the new dog park. The identified land is not be suitable for other types of development due to buried civil infrastructure and its proximity to a storm water lagoon making a dog park the most practical and best use of the land. A temporary, seasonal dog park had previously been at located at Central Park, with no other off-leash space designated until the new dog park development was proposed. This investment supports improving parks and recreational amenities in the City.

View the map to find the dog park off of Fifth Street South.