The HRM's Off Leash Strategy Program has FINALLY Announced that they've opened up FIVE of the pilot areas to OFF-LEASH EXERCISE!!!! They have the areas and information and directions to those areas listed on the HRM's website at http://www.halifax.ca/RealPropertyPlanning/OLPS/index.html - the areas include Shubie Park, Sandy Lake Park, Dartmouth Commons, Fort Needham, and Hemlock Ravine.  Isn't that exciting? 

The only problem that I worry about is that Animal Control Officers might be more heavily enforcing leash laws in any parks that are not included in the Pilot areas - so be aware of that when you are out exercising your canine life companions.  Be respectful and keep your eyes OPEN. 

And if you have any news to report - feel free to email me at dogkisser@gmail.com !  

Here are the RULES for off-leash exercise within the boundaries of the Halifax Regional Municipality as laid out on the HRM's website:   Provided that owners can control their dogs so that they do not interfere with people or other dogs, dogs are allowed off leash:  In designated areas of HRM Parks (Point Pleasant, Seaview)  On HRM sports fields from November 1 to May 1, between 6am and 10am, so long as the field is not in use or does not have signs indicating that dogs are not allowed or must be on leash. 

There are also FIVE pilot areas that are currently off leash areas within the HRM - you can find out about them on the HRM's website at http://www.halifax.ca/RealPropertyPlanning/OLPS/index.html - those areas are:   Shubie Park - Dartmouth Sandy Lake Park - Bedford Dartmouth Common - Dartmouth Fort Needham - North Halifax Hemlock Ravine - Bedford  

This is in addition to the other 2 parks that have previously been off leash - Point Pleasant Park and Seaview Park.   ADDED IN FEBRUARY 2008!! For the next 3 months the HRM is trialling adding sports fields in the city as off leash spaces - here is the email that they City sent out:   New off leash signs have been placed at 30 sport fields.

As well - selected sport fields and ball diamonds across HRM will be open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Please remember to clean up after your dog.

The success of this pilot program depends on the stewardship of responsible pet owners. A list of the sport fields and ball diamonds is available at:  http://www.halifax.ca/RealProperty   ALL OTHER PLACES in the Halifax Regional Municipality are considered to be ON-LEASH areas. 

You must keep your dog on-leash or be subject to a fine for letting your dog running at large - even if your dog is simply sitting beside you and you're sitting at a bench minding your own business - if he's not tethered to you in some way - he's running at large.  It's the LAW. 

So take that for what it is, and consider yourself warned.   A little known fact though is that CROWN LAND is also an area that dogs are allowed off-leash - even when that crown land is located within the HRM boundaries. 

I talk about it on my blog at "You may already have legal off leash space in your neighbourhood!" - gut it's up to you to find the Crown Land - I won't suss it out for you!  I'm good, but I'm not that good! haha!    

So look below for different parks locally to go enjoy some time with the most favourite being in your life!!  

Tip for salt water beaches - I had an email from Ferne and her dogs Sheba and McGee, she said that she never takes her dogs off-leash when she goes to salt-water beaches during the months of January, February or March because she's actually met up with LIVE seals when she's gone to Rainbow Haven beach in particular - and she's learned from local biologists that seals can be quite nasty at this time of year because this is when they give birth - and seals can give nasty bites to dogs when provoked, and she doesn't like to take any chances. 

She wanted to give out that information in case other people weren't aware of that possibility when they're at local beaches.  I know I wasn't aware that seals beached themselves locally - I've only personally seen DEAD seals - and my dogs LOVE to roll on dead seals, dog knows what they'd think of live seals!!  Thanks so much Ferne for the heads up!!  

Here are the Parks that I've taken a look at and reviewed for this website:  

• Fort Needham - northend Halifax - off leash park  

• Shubie Park - off leash park  

• Hemlock Ravine - Bedford - offleash park

• Point Pleasant Park - offleash park  

• Seaview Park -  northend Halifax - offleash park  

• Bissett Park - Cole Harbour  

• Burnside Trails - Eileen Stubbs Ave in Dartmouth

• Clam Harbour - Dartmouth

• Crystal Crescent Beach  

• Deadman's Island - off the Purcell's Cove Road

• The Dingle and The Frog Pond on the Purcell's Cove Road  

• Great Neighbourhood Walks  

• Halifax Commons

• Jack's Lake - Bedford

• Long Lake - Halifax  

• Martinique Beach - Dartmouth  

• Northwest Arm - Halifax

• Oakfield Park - Fall River!  

• Porter's Lake Provincial Park  

• Prospect Bay  

• Salt Marsh Trail - Cole Harbour

• Spectacle Lake - Dartmouth 

• York Redoubt - Purcell's Cove Road  

• "The Moose" - Silver Sands Beach in Dartmouth

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