City pilots expansion of dog off-leash area in Bert Flinn Park with addition of morning-only mini loop trail

 Dog walkers in Bert Flinn Park may now have their dogs off-leash between 6am and 10am daily in a new area – the Morning Off-Leash Mini Loop, a nature trail that branches westward off the park’s existing wide gravel off-leash trail.

“We know that pet owners are looking for more places where they can take their dogs off leash,” says Mayor Meghan Lahti, “and we know that this kind of change must be carefully considered because public parks are shared spaces with sensitive wildlife habitat. The expansion of the current off-leash area for a one-year pilot period aims to balance access for dog walkers with ecological protection and safe enjoyment of the park for all users.”

Dogs are allowed off-leash at any time on the wide gravel trail, and between the hours of 6am and 10am only on the Morning Off-Leash Mini Loop (view a map). Elsewhere in the park, dogs must be on-leash at all times. Non-compliance may result in a ticket issued (Bylaw No. 3343).

Reminders for dog walkers:

• in areas where dogs are allowed off leash, leave the leash on if your dog is not able to respond to verbal commands;
• keep dogs under control and on the marked trail;
• respect other park visitors – even if your dog is friendly, people and other dogs deserve space;
• be sure to scoop the poop – there are red dog waste bins at both ends of the wide gravel trail; and
• be a good neighbour – as there are residential areas around Bert Flinn Park, drivers are reminded that vehicles may not be parked adjacent to another person’s residential property for a period of more than three hours between 7am and 7pm, Mondays through Fridays (Bylaw No. 1528).

Trail users are encouraged to comment on their experiences in the park via our online feedback form at portmoody.ca/offleash. During the one-year pilot period, City staff will monitor trail use and conditions, the ecological health of the park’s natural areas, and bylaw compliance. In late 2026, staff plan to present a report that summarizes the data and feedback collected, and includes a recommendation for next steps, for Council’s consideration.