Overview
Metro Vancouver is currently reviewing approaches to dog management at Pacific Spirit Regional Park to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, while protecting the park’s natural resources and ecosystems for future generations. The review focuses on reducing conflicts, protecting sensitive habitats, and enhancing the overall park experience for everyone.
At this time, no changes will be made to trail designations. Metro Vancouver will pause changes to trail designations and focus on strengthening education, signage, and enforcement efforts. Additional opportunities for engagement will take place before any future changes to trail designations are considered.
Reason for the review
Pacific Spirit Regional Park is the region's busiest park, welcoming nearly four million visitors each year. With more than half of its of trails designated as leash-optional, it is one of the few urban parks in the region offering extensive off-leash opportunities. As visitor numbers grow, so do the challenges of balancing recreation with ecological health.
Visitor feedback, combined with ecological research and park data, showed that changes are needed to:
- Protect sensitive habitats like bogs, creeks, and wildlife areas
- Support enjoyable experiences for all park visitors
- Improve safety and reduce conflicts
Process for the review
The program review is guided by an evidence-driven process, considering both data and community input.
Engagement
To ensure the update reflects a range of community needs and values, Metro Vancouver gathered insights through an online questionnaire in May 2025 and through ongoing conversations with xʷməθkʷəýəm (Musqueam Indian Band) and organizations connected to the park. Engagement included representatives from the University Endowment Lands , Pacific Spirit Park Society, CTS Youth Society, BC Mobility Opportunities Society, and commercial dog walkers.
Feedback in February 2026 highlighted concerns related to trail connectivity, leashing transitions, and the practical day-to-day experience of using the park. This input, combined with the technical review, will help inform future improvements, including education, signage, and enforcement efforts. Metro Vancouver will continue listening to park visitors through additional engagement before moving forward, as part of its commitment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, while protecting the park’s natural resources and ecosystems for future generations.