A new ban prohibiting commercial dog walkers from accessing the off-leash area in Toronto’s Ramsden Park has sparked a heated debate among dog owners, walkers, and local residents.
The restriction, introduced by University-Rosedale Councillor Dianne Saxe, comes in response to complaints from nearby residents about the “heavy use” of the park, noise, and parking conflicts. The decision, fast-tracked without public consultation, has left many in the community feeling blindsided.
Ramsden Park, a popular spot located between Yonge Street and Avenue Road, is known for its various amenities, including tennis courts, a splash pad, and a hockey rink.
The off-leash area, particularly its designated section for small dogs, has been a favored spot for local dog owners and professional dog walkers alike.
Community Divided Over Commercial Dog Walkers Ban at Toronto’s Ramsden Park
However, a new municipal sign now informs visitors that, effective September 19, commercial dog walkers are no longer welcome in this area.
Rebecca Riddell, owner of Bark Buddies Toronto, has been vocal about the negative impact this ban will have on her business.
She emphasizes the importance of the small dog zone, noting that it provides a safer environment for smaller breeds that may not fare well alongside larger dogs.
Riddell has started a petition, which has garnered nearly 800 signatures, calling for a compromise rather than an outright ban.
She suggests allowing commercial dog walkers to use the park during off-peak hours, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., to minimize disturbances to residents.
Despite the outcry, Councillor Saxe defends the ban as a necessary measure until a more comprehensive “dog master plan” is developed.
Saxe acknowledges the divide in public opinion but notes that the ban was implemented at the request of affected neighbours.
She also mentioned that while the off-leash area will be off-limits to professional walkers, they will still be allowed to walk their dogs on leash in other parts of the park.
The ban has left some residents indifferent, like Michael Rosenbaum, who lives near the park and cited occasional dog fights as a concern, though he expressed no strong opinion on the ban itself.
Others, however, like Jenn Reck of Barking up the Right Tree, argue that the noise from nearby construction is often louder than any disturbance caused by dogs, calling into question the fairness of the complaints.
As the community awaits the city’s report on the future of off-leash areas, expected in 2025, the debate over Ramsden Park’s ban continues to highlight the tensions between different users of the city’s public spaces.
For now, the restriction remains a contentious issue, with many hoping for a more balanced solution that accommodates both residents’ concerns and the needs of local businesses.
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