TAILS WAGGING IN SOUTHWEST WINNIPEG AS NEW OFF-LEASH DOG PARK OPENS

A new off-leash dog park opened Saturday in Winnipeg’s Whyte Ridge neighbourhood, greeted by wagging tails and eager ball-chasers.

Located at the Whyte Ridge Community Centre on Fleetwood Road, just east of Brady Road, the dedicated space replaces a seasonal dog area that previously operated out of an outdoor hockey rink. The grand opening was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Kirill Pirgalin, president of the Whyte Ridge Community Centre, said the fast-growing neighbourhood had been lacking a permanent space for residents to bring their dogs.

“Until now, there really weren’t many options for pet owners in the area,” he said.

“Now, we’re just at a walking distance or short drive, and it’s just perfect,” he said.

Winnipeg’s newest off-leash dog park is now open year-round, offering a convenient and thoughtfully designed space for dogs and their owners in Whyte Ridge.

According to a city news release, the fully fenced park spans more than a quarter of a hectare and features seating areas, sealed pet waste containers, and a gated entry vestibule. It’s located near community amenities, including a playground and soccer fields at the Whyte Ridge Community Centre.

While other off-leash parks in the city may be larger, local resident Ian Rumbolt said the convenience of having one nearby makes all the difference.

“I feel like dog parks are kind of spread out, so to have one in our neighbourhood now is just fantastic,” said Rumbolt, who brought his Jack Russell terrier, Mose, to explore the new space.

“We just knew we would use it.”

Anne Grewar, another Whyte Ridge resident, said she often had to drive 15 minutes to Kings Park in southeast Winnipeg to let her dog, Ember, roam freely. Now, she’s relieved to have an option closer to home.

“It’s nice to have something that’s just accessible,” she said.

“This is really, really great. It’s not just a big field with a fence… There seems to be some thought put into making it an open and safe space for dogs.”

Area Councillor Janice Lukes said she hopes the new park not only benefits pets but also helps bring neighbours together.

“This may not be the largest park, but I know it’s going to be very well used and loved,” she said.

The city invested $80,000 into the Whyte Ridge off-leash area, bringing the total number of designated dog parks in Winnipeg to 15. In addition, many community centres open their hockey rinks to dogs during the warmer months, from April to November.

Lukes said she’s pushing for more amenities like this in the city—especially in the south end.

“We don’t need to be driving everywhere,” she said. “I’m bent and determined to try and get another one here in the south end.”