Off-Leash Areas
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Harmony Valley Off-Leash Dog Park is open for use. Please remember to adhere to safety protocols, government orders and health authority guidelines, including:
- maintaining physical distancing of at least 2 metres (6 feet) or more between persons;
- not to use the amenities in groups of more than five (other than members of the same household); and,
- respecting posted signage on guidelines for use.
Prevent the spread of COVID-19, practice social distancing which includes not gathering and maintaining a 2 metre distance from you and others.
Harmony Valley Park: Off-Leash Area
The Harmony Valley Park contains a 10-hectare off-leash area located in the southern portion. Surrounded by nature the park is home to some of the most beautiful nature trails in Oshawa. It is a great opportunity to get outside and spend time with your family and friends while walking your dog.
Park Rules
Harmony Valley Park is a multi-use park that is open to anyone who wants to enjoy it. In order to ensure that everyone who visits the park always has a safe and amazing experience please remember the following rules when you visit with your dog:
- Be courteous and respect the rights of all users. Remember that the park is for everyone!
- Please "
Stoop and Scoop
" according to the Responsible Pet Owner's By-law and dispose of the bags in the nearest litter container or at our household. - Dogs are to be leashed when entering or leaving the off-leash area.
- Respect the on and off-leash boundaries.
- Dogs should be in view of their owners at all times and under voice control. To ensure dogs are under control at all times there is a 4 dog maximum per walker.
- Dogs should be licensed and fully vaccinated (puppies to have 12 week shots).
- Parents, keep a watchful eye on your children.
- Respect wildlife and vegetation.
- Please remove pronged collars in the leash free areas (choke collars not advised).
- Don't litter.
- Dogs in heat, sick dogs and aggressive dogs are requested to not use the park.
Respect the On and Off-Leash Boundaries
Pet owners are responsible for making sure that their dogs do not run at large. A dog running at large means that it is unleashed when off its owner’s property and not under the control of someone physically able to maintain control.
There are both on and off-leash areas within Harmony Valley Park. Respect the signage and remember that it is only the trails in the southern portion of the park that are designated off-leash. Outside of this area dogs are to be on leash.
Have a leash in hand at all times and use the leash when entering and exiting the park. Dogs should never be loose in the parking lot.
Care and Maintenance
Remember this park is located within a natural environment, which means trails are unpaved, not regularly maintained, and can be steep and slippery.
Oshawa Durham Area Walkers Group (O.D.A.W.G.) are the stewards of the on and off-leash areas within Harmony Valley Park. Volunteers from O.D.A.W.G. monitor the use of the park, provide on-going education and awareness of responsible dog ownership, and run fundraisers for park improvements. Voluntary annual membership fees as well as an annual O.D.A.W.G. calendar help to support park improvements.
Natural Environment
While visiting the park respect wildlife and vegetation. Stay on designated trails. Remember this is a natural environment, which means we need to balance a variety of recreational experiences while protecting wildlife habitat, rare plants and tree species.
Owners and their dogs should stay on designated trails and avoid walking through naturalized areas as they are not maintained by the City. The best way to avoid contact with invasive species is to become familiar with what the plants look like and ensure that you, your children and pets avoid the plants.
Pet ownership is a responsibility
Dog owners are subject to the City of Oshawa's Responsible Pet Owner's By-law and the province of Ontario's Dog Owners' Liability Act. Please familiarize yourself with these documents.