Metro Vancouver Delays Decision on Off-Leash Trail Reductions in Pacific Spirit Park
Metro Vancouver's regional parks committee has opted to delay a crucial vote on a staff proposal that would have reduced the number of off-leash trails in Pacific Spirit Regional Park. The committee decided to accept the proposal "for information only" during a meeting on Wednesday, effectively putting the plan on hold while calling for further public consultation.
Background and Safety Concerns
The controversial proposal was developed by Metro Vancouver staff in response to a comprehensive review that documented 398 dog-related safety incidents in the popular Vancouver park over the past five years. The plan advocated for improved signage throughout the park while proposing to reduce off-leash trail access by approximately 10 percent.
According to park usage statistics, Pacific Spirit Park welcomes approximately four million visitors annually, with about one-third of those visitors bringing dogs. This translates to more than one million dog visits to the park each year, creating significant pressure on shared trail systems.
User Conflicts and Differing Experiences
Richard Wallis, park operations supervisor for Pacific Spirit, explained that the high volume of park users and dogs has led to conflicts on trails shared between multiple user groups. "The number of negative incidents involving dogs was significantly higher than any other user group," Wallis noted, referring to tensions between dog walkers, joggers, cyclists, and equestrians.
A Metro Vancouver staff report revealed stark differences in park experiences between dog owners and non-dog users. In a 2025 questionnaire completed by 5,600 park visitors, only 24 percent of users without dogs reported "mostly positive" experiences, while that percentage jumped to 94 percent among dog owners.
Political Opposition and Public Response
The proposal faced organized opposition from community members who argued there hadn't been sufficient public consultation. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim publicly stated his opposition to reducing off-leash trails, declaring on social media: "We fully stand with Vancouver dog owners in opposition to Metro Vancouver's proposed new restrictions to off leash areas in Pacific Spirit Park."
Committee member and Vancouver city councillor Rebecca Bligh proposed a compromise approach, suggesting that plans to improve signage should proceed while trail designation changes should be paused pending additional public consultation. Her proposal received backing from the committee as a whole.
Looking Forward
The decision to delay the vote represents a temporary victory for dog owners who frequent Pacific Spirit Park, while acknowledging the legitimate safety concerns raised by other park users. The committee's action ensures that any future changes to trail designations will involve more comprehensive community input before implementation.
This development highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing recreational needs in one of Metro Vancouver's most popular regional parks, where competing interests must be carefully managed to ensure safety and enjoyment for all visitors.
