New wire fencing and gates being installed on leash optional trails in PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park)
Trail users who enjoy the leash-optional trails in PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) will soon notice new fencing, updated signage, and additional trail amenities being implemented as part of the People, Pets, and Parks Strategy.
The post-and-wire fencing placed at the trail’s edge in strategic locations (as indicated in the red dotted line) will help protect sensitive habitats and support responsible enjoyment of the park by dogs and their owners, ensuring the park remains welcoming for all visitors.
Where on-leash and leash-optional trails intersect, partial fencing and signed chicanes will help people and dogs navigate areas with different regulations. These aim to reduce conflicts between trail users and keep people and dogs out of sensitive natural areas.
Clear and consistent signage will be installed along the trails to explain where dogs may be off-leash.
New benches are also being added at key locations along the trail network.
As of February 2026, work on these trail improvements is underway. Trail users may notice crews in the area, but impacts should be minimal. Completion is anticipated in early spring, 2026.
New Animal Bylaws
Saanich’s new Animals Bylaw is now in place and this kicks off an education and transition period that will give Saanich staff and CRD enforcement officers time to inform park visitors about the coming changes.
During this transition period, people will begin to see updated signage in Saanich parks, and periodic updates posted to the Saanich website and on our social media channels.
The new bylaws are briefly outlined here [PDF - 115 KB] with full details here. [PDF - 8 MB]
Have questions? Visit our FAQ page.
Learn more about the CRD's Petiquette Program, animal regulations, and general pet information.
People Pets and Parks – Summer 2025 Update:
Building a more welcoming park experience for everyone.
We’re making exciting progress on the People, Pets & Parks Strategy, thanks to Council funding that was granted in May 2024. Here’s what’s new this season as we continue efforts to improve the way people and pets share our beautiful green spaces:
🐾 Signage Almost Complete!
Keep an eye out—our brand-new signs are rolling out across Saanich parks!
We’ve been working hard to create clear, consistent signage that makes it easier to understand park guidelines, including where dogs can be on- or off-leash.
This new signage includes colour-coded signs at park entry points, and map-based signs like the ones now up in PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park).
🛠️ Leash Optional Area Design Underway
The first dedicated, enclosed/partially enclosed leash-optional areas are being designed for these parks:
Additional enclosed spaces are planned for Lambrick, Hyacinth, and Rudd parks. Thanks for your patience—we’re excited to bring these new spaces to life!
🐶 Pop-Up Dog Parks are Back!
While we work toward permanent parks for pups over the next few years, be sure to check out our three pop-up dog parks for this season. Find more information here.
- Lambrick Park– including big and small dog areas (Gordon Head neighbourhood)
- Hyacinth Park(Carey neighbourhood)
- Rudd Park (Tillicum neighbourhood)
What does ‘Under Control’ mean?
A dog is considered under control when it stays within sight of its owner, comes when called, and does not disturb wildlife or other park users.
🔍 Need Info on Dog Rules?
The “Find a Park” page will have the latest dog info to help you get out and enjoy our parks responsibly.
➡️ or email us at parks@saanich.ca with your questions.
👥 More Capacity to Support the Strategy
With Council’s funding support, we’ve added people power to support the People, Pets & Parks Strategy rollout. This means more capacity to improve signage, maintenance, education and park planning.
🌿 Thank you for helping make our parks safe and welcoming for all.
Leash Optional Parks Map
Click here to view a pdf version of the map. [PDF - 2 MB]
On-Leash/No Dogs Allowed Parks Map
Click here to view a pdf version of the map [PDF - 1 MB]