Enhancing Mill Pond (Richmond Hill, ON): A Request for a Local Off-Leash Dog Area

The Case for a Dog Park:

• Local Pet Population: According to 2021 Census data, there are approximately 43,500 private households in Richmond Hill. Based on Canadian national averages (roughly 35% of households), there are an estimated 15,000+ dogs in our city, with a high concentration in the mature, family-oriented Mill Pond area.
• Lack of Local Access: While Tower Hill Dog Park and Phyllis Rawlinson Park have fenced off-leash dog parks, the Mill Pond area lacks walkable access to facilities, forcing residents to drive across the city.  
• Demonstrated Need:  As we were emerging from the COVID pandemic in 2021/2 and beyond, dozens of Mill Pond neighbours and their dogs joyfully met at a baseball diamond in Bradstock Park daily, in the evenings. Dog owners were respectful of the grounds and we were diligent about picking up after our dogs. Admittedly, this gathering was against municipal by-laws. However, this informal daily gathering spoke to the need neighbours (and our dogs) felt, for socializing with each other, and (to us) the community felt stronger for it. This all reluctantly stopped around 2023/4 with by-law enforcement.
• By-law Compliance: Recent 2025 updates to the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law strictly enforce leash rules. Residents need a safe, legal space to exercise their pets to prevent off-leash activity in sensitive ecological areas of the Mill Pond area.
• Community Safety: A fenced off-leash area reduces conflicts between dogs and park/trail users (hikers, children, and seniors).

We urge the City to identify a suitable underutilized green space for a pilot project of a temporary fenced off-leash dog park, to evaluate its success and impact. Possible underutilized neighbourhood green space for consideration may include:

• Bradstock Park
• Stavert Park + adjoining abandoned parking lot
• Upper Mill Pond Park
• Hidden Springs Parkette
• Pleasantville Park

Your Mill Pond neighbours truly appreciate your support! (Richmond Hill, Ontario)