The City of St. Albert is calling on residents to help shape the future of a new fenced off-leash dog park in the growing Cherot neighbourhood. A public survey is now open until Sept. 8, offering residents, dog owners, and park users the chance to provide input on the proposed design for what will become the city’s largest fenced dog park—the Northwest Dog Park. The 10 to 15-minute online survey is available through the city’s public engagement platform and will play a critical role in refining the final park layout and features.
Located near Villeneuve Road and Ray Gibbon Drive, the proposed park is being developed in response to increasing demand for dog-friendly spaces in St. Albert. With existing sites like Lacombe Lake Dog Park experiencing heavy usage, the Northwest Dog Park aims to alleviate pressure while providing new opportunities for recreation, socialization, and relaxation for both dogs and owners. The draft design includes a mix of open play areas, shaded seating, and a network of granular trails that connect various zones within the park. A key feature will be a large dog play area created by reshaping an existing soil mound into a gentle slope, offering natural contours and space for enrichment activities. A separate, fully fenced small dog area will be located near the parking lot for convenience and accessibility.
The design also includes a 40-stall parking lot, similar in size to the one at Lacombe Lake Park, along with perimeter fencing and multiple entry points placed on solid surfaces to minimize mud and pooling water. Other proposed amenities include portable washrooms near the entrance, benches placed on concrete pads with accessible aprons, and potential picnic shelters for shade. Landscaping will focus on planting native vegetation, particularly along the northern edge of the park, to provide visual and sound buffers from nearby roads and future developments.
Although the site is designated as a temporary location due to upcoming infrastructure projects in the area, including upgrades to Ray Gibbon Drive, Range Road 260, and the future Community Amenities Site, the park has been designed to adapt to changes where possible. Some amenities may be adjusted in the future, but the overall goal is to create a functional, enjoyable space for dogs and residents alike.
In addition to the online survey, community members can take part in several in-person “Treats & Talk” pop-up events. City staff will be on site at the Grosvenor Pool Dog Swim on Monday, Sept. 1 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Feedback gathered from both the survey and in-person events will be compiled into a “What We Heard” report later this fall. This report will inform the refined design, which is expected to be finalized in winter 2025. A construction timeline will be announced at a later date.
Residents are encouraged to take part in the process and ensure the new park meets the needs of the entire community. To view the proposed design and complete the survey, visit: conversation.stalbert.ca/northwest-dog-park.
