Commercial Dog Walkers Banned from Ramsden Park Amid Local Complaints

A popular off-leash dog park in midtown Toronto, Ramsden Park, will soon restrict access for professional dog walkers following community complaints. A city motion introduced by Councillor Dianne Saxe has led to the ban in response to concerns raised by local residents.

The park, located between Yonge Street and Avenue Road, features extensive facilities, including tennis courts, a splash pad, and a hockey rink, alongside its well-frequented off-leash area. A recent municipal sign has been placed at the park, indicating that commercial dog walkers will no longer be permitted to use the area starting September 19.

Rebecca Riddell, an owner of a local dog-walking business, voiced her dissatisfaction with the decision. She expressed concern over the need to relocate to other parks, particularly regarding the park’s designated small dog area, which is not available at all city parks. Riddell highlighted the safety risks of merging small dogs with larger breeds, which could lead to dangerous situations.

In response to the ban, Riddell has initiated a petition to seek a compromise, such as limiting commercial access to midday hours or establishing a new off-leash area away from residential homes. This initiative aims to balance the needs of dog walkers with the concerns of local residents.

The decision to ban commercial dog walkers was motivated by various complaints regarding noise disturbances and overcrowding within the park. Councillor Saxe acknowledged the divided opinions on the matter and assured that city staff are working on a ‘dog master plan’ to address these issues. However, she noted that the plan’s completion may not occur until early 2025.

Residents living adjacent to the park have mixed views regarding the ban. While some, like Michael Rosenbaum, acknowledge the disturbances caused by barking, others believe that the decision is essential for community peace. The variance in opinions underscores the complexities of managing shared public spaces.

City officials indicated that enforcement of the ban would be approached with education rather than penalties. Professional dog walkers will still have the option to walk dogs in leashed areas of the park.

Commercial dog walkers like Andrew Wood expressed concern that reducing access to Ramsden Park could lead to increased congestion in other parks. With limited spaces available, this change could exacerbate existing challenges in accommodating the growing population of dog owners in Toronto.