In response to feedback from residents, the Northern Rockies regional council agreed to start the process of opening its first off-leash dog park in Fort Nelson.
Councillors in the Bear Pit said requests for a safe area for dogs to play off leash were received, especially after they evacuated to Fort St John and visited the city’s Toboggan Hill Park. Last month, a letter was sent to the Northern Rockies regional municipal council, who got to work and pinpointed a temporary location.
“As an initial step, a low-cost pilot project could be established at Mile 295 using simple infrastructure such as gates and basic signage outlining expectations for clean-up and appropriate use,” staff wrote in their analysis for the municipal council.
They also considered Roy Gairdner Park on Mile 301, but ultimately said it would not be possible to quickly repurpose as it is on Crown land and only specific uses are permitted. Staff said they will discuss the possibility of opening a park with the province as it may be supported and would require less work to be safe for dogs in the future.
Either location would require a zoning amendment as, currently, off leash dog parks are banned in Fort Nelson.
The cost of this low-cost project has not been calculated by municipal staff.
Looking ahead, as budget season approaches, the councillors said this temporary pilot project will expand if a larger “special project” is approved.
“A special project will be brought forward as a 2026 budget request to support thoughtful planning for a larger, purpose-built dog park,” staff explained. Public feedback would be collected as part of the project if it is approved during discussions next year.
If the B.C. government approves repurposing an unused section of Roy Gairdner Park, staff said the dog area would not encroach on the park’s baseball diamond. Regional municipal councillor Danny Soles expressed concern about having a park at this location or Mile 295 as they may be out of the way for some residents.
Other locations in the running ahead of the budget presentation include Lagoon Road, Art Fraser Park, and the Old Aquatic Centre.
