Dog owners in Downtown New Westminster can look forward to a newly improved off-leash area at Albert Crescent Park. After a six-month pilot project, the City has confirmed plans to establish a fully fenced, dedicated off-leash zone in the historic park—part of a broader strategy to make urban green spaces more inclusive for both dog owners and non-dog owners.

A New Amenity for Downtown Pet Owners

Albert Crescent Park, known for its mature trees and sweeping views of the Fraser River, will soon be home to a fully enclosed off-leash area following a successful pilot initiative. From July 2024 to January 2025, a shared off-leash area was tested at the park, allowing the City to gather input directly from park users through email feedback and on-site consultations held in October 2024.

This initiative is rooted in the People, Parks and Pups Strategy, a 10-year framework adopted by New Westminster City Council in early 2022. The strategy aims to balance the needs of dog owners with those of the wider community by carefully planning and managing dog activity within public parks.

What’s Changing After the Pilot?

Feedback collected during the pilot period revealed that while the space was well-received, there were important concerns around safety and usability—particularly the lack of fencing.

In response, the City will implement the following upgrades:

• Fenced Enclosure: The new off-leash area will be fully enclosed with a secure fence to provide a safer environment for dogs and greater peace of mind for their owners. This aligns with best practices laid out in the People, Parks and Pups Strategy.

• Dawn-to-Dusk Hours: The area will be open during daylight hours, which helps minimize nighttime disturbances and aligns with general park operation standards.

Construction timelines for these changes will be announced soon. Updates will be shared on the City of New Westminster’s website and through signage posted at the park itself.

*Photo by City of New Westminster

Why Albert Crescent Park?

Located at Agnes and Sarnia Streets, Albert Crescent Park holds a special place in New Westminster’s history. Originally established in 1876, it is considered the city’s first flagship park. Though its footprint was reduced over time due to the construction of the Pattullo Bridge, the 4.5-acre park still offers beautifully landscaped grounds, mature trees, benches, and serene paths—along with scenic views of the Fraser River and Surrey.

With its central location and underutilized space, the park was a natural candidate for a pilot off-leash zone. The upcoming upgrades are expected to revitalize the park further and create a welcoming space for both people and pets.

Supporting Community Feedback and Accessibility

City staff have emphasized that the move to a permanent, fenced off-leash area is directly based on public feedback. Engagement events and open channels—such as park visits and email submissions—were instrumental in shaping the final design.

For those with questions or input, the City encourages contacting the Parks and Recreation Department at 604-527-4567. While a specific email wasn’t listed in the initial announcement, residents are also welcome to use general contact options or reach out through the City’s social media channels.

A Thoughtful Balance for Urban Park Use

As New Westminster continues to grow, ensuring that public spaces accommodate diverse uses—from off-leash recreation to quiet reflection—is a guiding principle. The Albert Crescent Park project showcases how thoughtful planning and community engagement can work together to improve livability in dense urban areas.

Curious how this change will shape the future of Downtown New Westminster’s parks? We’re watching closely as Albert Crescent Park evolves into a more inclusive space for all. Want to stay informed on projects like this? Let’s connect.

A fresh breath of outdoor freedom is on the way for New Westminster’s four-legged residents. The City of New Westminster has announced plans to develop a new off-leash dog area at 260 Ross Drive, providing much-needed space for pet owners in the Victoria Hill-Ginger Drive neighbourhood. This project, which forms part of the City’s broader People, Parks, and Pups Strategy, will transform a currently vacant plot of land into a temporary but purpose-built canine haven.

A Timely Solution for an Active Community

With increasing demand for dog-friendly spaces and limited available land in New Westminster, the City has moved swiftly to secure a 5-year lease on a piece of land owned by the Fraser Health Authority. The new off-leash area, fully enclosed with fencing and retaining its existing grassy surface, will be open from dawn until dusk daily. It's designed to create a safe and enjoyable space for dogs to run and socialize freely, all while respecting the needs of nearby residents.

The initiative is being welcomed by the Victoria Hill Ginger Drive Residents Association, reflecting local community support for the project. Once construction plans are finalized, residents can expect further updates through on-site signage and postings on the City’s official website.

Aligning with the City's Long-Term Vision

This project isn’t just a standalone addition—it’s the latest move under the People, Parks, and Pups Strategy, a 10-year planning framework adopted by New Westminster City Council in early 2022. The strategy was developed in response to the growing popularity of dog ownership and the need for a more balanced use of limited parkland.

By integrating off-leash areas thoughtfully and intentionally, the City hopes to reduce conflicts between dog owners and other park users, while enhancing overall accessibility and enjoyment of public spaces. The fully fenced design at 260 Ross Drive follows safety guidelines laid out in the strategy and reinforces the City's commitment to thoughtful park planning.

*Photo by City of New Westminster

A Creative Use of Vacant Land

The selection of 260 Ross Drive as a temporary off-leash zone also reflects a practical approach to urban planning. With pressures from densification and shifting land use patterns, city staff have identified underutilized parcels—like this one owned by Fraser Health—as strategic opportunities to meet pressing needs without requiring new park acquisitions.

The fact that this is a temporary installation under a 5-year lease gives both flexibility and immediacy to the project. It’s a test case for how adaptable, community-supported solutions can help fill gaps in park infrastructure in the short term, while longer-term plans evolve.

What’s Next?

Although a formal construction timeline has not yet been released, the City is expected to provide updates on both its website and through on-site notifications as the project moves forward. Once completed, the site will become a new daily destination for local dog owners, adding vibrancy and value to the Victoria Hill area.

Curious how this could shape the future of Victoria Hill’s green spaces? We’re keeping a close eye on projects like this so our clients always stay informed. Want to be one of them?