The Dunmoore Park Dog Park Closure is temporarily affecting pet owners in Pickering while municipal crews install new lighting at the popular leash-free facility. The City of Pickering says the entire dog park is closed from Monday, July 27, through Wednesday, August 12, 2026, while the work is completed.
The temporary disruption applies to all sections of the Dunmoore Park leash-free area, not only the canine activity equipment. Residents should avoid entering the closed work zone and use one of Pickering’s other designated dog parks until the lighting project is finished.
Lighting Work Closes Entire Dunmoore Facility
Dunmoore Park’s leash-free area is located on Whites Road South. It includes two fully fenced sections: one intended for small dogs and a larger space open to dogs of different sizes. The larger area also includes a sand pit and a Canine Activity Area with 10 stations where dogs and their handlers can practise simple exercises together.
The City’s closure notice identifies new lighting installation as the purpose of the work. No additional construction details or changes to the dog park’s equipment were included in the announcement. The stated closure period ends August 12, although park users should check City service notices before visiting in case the schedule changes.
Two Pickering Dog Parks Remain Available
During the Dunmoore Park Dog Park Closure, residents can use the leash-free areas at Balsdon Park and Grand Valley Park.
Balsdon Park has the smallest of Pickering’s three designated leash-free areas. It is located near Liverpool Road and Krosno Boulevard within a residential neighbourhood. The park does not have a dedicated parking lot, so visitors must use available street parking and follow posted parking restrictions.
Grand Valley Park is located on the Third Concession, west of Valley Farm Road, near the southern trailhead of the Seaton Hiking Trail. It contains two leash-free areas. The main fenced space is west of the parking lot at the bottom of the hill. A smaller fenced section beside the parking area is intended to provide easier access for people with mobility concerns and owners of small dogs.
Dogs must remain leashed while travelling from vehicles and public paths to the designated fenced areas. Owners should confirm that their chosen alternative park is open before leaving home, particularly if weather or maintenance work could cause another service disruption.
Dog Park Rules Still Apply
The City requires dogs using its leash-free areas to have current licences and wear their licence tags. A maximum of three dogs is permitted for each owner or handler, and the supervising person must be at least 16 years old.
Handlers are responsible for watching their dogs at all times and removing them if aggressive or overly rough behaviour develops. The City also advises visitors to limit toys and treats when they could create conflict between dogs. Owners must collect their pets’ waste and use the disposal facilities provided.
People bringing dogs to Balsdon or Grand Valley parks should attach the leash before the dog leaves the vehicle and keep it secured until entering the fenced off-leash section. Young children should not be taken inside leash-free areas because fast-moving dogs can accidentally knock them over.
The Dunmoore Park Dog Park Closure is scheduled to remain in effect through August 12. Once the lighting installation is complete and the City reopens the facility, Pickering dog owners will again have access to all three municipal leash-free locations.
