The Dunmoore dog park closure in Pickering has been extended until Friday, September 18, as the City continues work to install new lighting at the popular leash-free area.
The dog park inside Dunmoore Park was expected to reopen earlier, but an unexpected manufacturing delay has pushed back the completion schedule. The City of Pickering says construction work is continuing and the entire off-leash area will remain unavailable while the lighting project is completed.
The closure affects one of Pickering’s three designated leash-free areas and may require local dog owners to adjust their routines for the next several weeks.
Lighting project delayed by manufacturing issue
The City originally expected the lighting installation to be completed by mid-August. However, the schedule was extended after a manufacturing delay affected the delivery of materials needed for the project.
According to the latest municipal notice, work is expected to continue through September 18. The City has apologized for the inconvenience and thanked residents for their patience while crews complete the upgrades.
The Dunmoore dog park closure applies to the entire fenced dog area, meaning visitors will not be able to use either section until the site reopens.
Dunmoore Park’s leash-free area is located along Whites Road South and includes separate spaces for smaller dogs and for dogs of all sizes. The park also features a canine activity area with a series of stations designed for dogs and their owners to complete together.
The lighting project is intended to improve the facility for users once the work is finished.
Other leash-free options remain available
Dog owners who normally use Dunmoore Park still have other leash-free options in Pickering while the construction continues.
Balsdon Park has a fenced leash-free area near Liverpool Road and Krosno Boulevard. Grand Valley Park also offers designated off-leash areas, including a larger main area and a smaller section located closer to the parking lot.
Residents using those locations are reminded to follow municipal leash-free area rules, supervise their dogs and keep animals leashed until they are safely inside the designated fenced area.
The temporary closure comes as many Pickering residents continue to make regular use of local parks and outdoor spaces with their pets. Dunmoore is one of the city’s established dog recreation locations, so the extended shutdown may be noticeable for residents who visit the park frequently.
Reopening expected September 18
The City currently expects the Dunmoore dog park closure to remain in effect through Friday, September 18. The reopening date depends on the remaining installation work being completed as planned.
Residents who rely on the park should check City of Pickering service notices before visiting in case the construction schedule changes again.
Once the work is finished, the upgraded lighting is expected to improve use of the leash-free area, particularly as daylight hours become shorter heading into the fall season.
Until then, Balsdon Park and Grand Valley Park remain the main alternatives for Pickering dog owners looking for designated off-leash space.
Residents can also contact the City’s service disruption line or Engineering Services Department for additional information about the project.
The City has not indicated that other areas of Dunmoore Park are affected by the dog-area construction, but visitors should follow posted signs and avoid entering the closed work zone until the project is complete.
