A new off-leash dog area was officially opened in Chilliwack this week on Sheffield Way.
Dignitaries, residents of Chilliwack and some of their four-legged companions were in attendance at a ribbon-cutting Thursday to mark the occasion.
The Sheffield Off-Leash Area has two separately enclosed spaces, a 2,300-square metre area for small dogs and a larger, 3,800-square metre area for larger dogs.
A gravel path runs along the edge of the property and connects the neighbourhood to the new dog park, allowing pedestrians to walk between Webb Avenue and Gordon Drive.
“We are pleased to continue to build more public play spaces for dogs in our community and are eager to welcome dogs and their owners to the Sheffield Off-Leash Dog Area,” said Mayor Sharon Gaetz.
The area was already being used to exercise dogs off-leash, but the parcel of land was in the Agricultural Land Reserve, and city officials had to be granted special approvals to dedicate the space as a dog park.
Mayor Gaetz cut the ribbon with a flourish, and an enthusiastic: “release the hounds!”
“We continue to upgrade parks and trails in our community and the walking trail next to the dog area will be an asset to the entire community,” she said.
The new off-leash area is 6,100-square-metres, or more than half a hectare in size, and is part of a grand total of 17,960 square metres of dog off-leash area added to the city in 2017 alone.
“To keep owners comfortable while their dogs play, there are benches in each area of the park,” according to the park opening announcement.
The Vedder Park off-leash dog area was expanded by 3,000-square metres, and the Vedder North Dyke Trail off-leash dog area was
