Northwest Dog Park
Help Shape the Design of the Northwest Dog Park
The City of St. Albert is planning a new fenced off-leash dog park in the Cherot area and is seeking your feedback on the proposed design. Whether you’re a dog owner, park user, or nearby resident, your input will help us design a space that works for everyone.
At this stage, your feedback will help us ensure the space meets community needs and refine design features such as:
- Trails
- Seating
- Shade
- Dog play areas
Have your say online or in-person between August 12 and September 8 to be part of designing a functional space for dogs and their people alike.
About the Project
The Northwest Dog Park would be St. Albert’s largest fenced dog park. The planned site is located near Villeneuve Road and Ray Gibbon Drive in the Cherot neighbourhood. This park is being developed to respond to the growing demand for dog-friendly spaces and will help alleviate pressure on existing parks, particularly Lacombe Lake.
Key features in the proposed design include new trails, open play areas, shade and rest spaces, and opportunities for canine agility and socialization.
Due to nearby infrastructure projects, such as upgrades to Ray Gibbon Drive, Range Road 260, and the planned Community Amenities Site, the location is designated as a temporary park site. The City has considered the potential developments in the area and has designed the park to accommodate future changes as much as possible, however, some dog park amenities may change as this area evolves.
Get Involved
We want to hear from you! Join us online or in person to share your ideas. The information provided by you, along with technical studies, budget, available space, and other nearby projects will be used to create a final design for the Northwest Dog Park.
- Survey is now closed. Thank you to all those who contributed their thoughts toward the development of the NW Dog Park!
- A What We Heard Report containing the results of public engagement will be available soon on the projects Cultivate the Conversation page.
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Proposed Design
Share Proposed Design on Facebook Share Proposed Design on Twitter Share Proposed Design on Linkedin Email Proposed Design linkThe draft design focuses on access and natural character. The design works with the site’s existing physical characteristics to establish distinct areas of use and amenities to meet both canine and human needs. Each design feature is marked on the draft plan corresponding to the descriptions below.
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Access
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Example images
Parking: On-site parking will be provided with 40 vehicle stalls similar to Lacombe Lake Park. The parking lot has been designed to align with the future development of the Community Amenities Site and Range Road 260. This helps reduce long-term costs and allows for a better-connected community hub.
Fencing and Gates: The park will feature perimeter fencing and multiple entry points to support safe, off-leash use. Entry gates will be large and placed on solid surfaces like gravel or concrete to help prevent mud pits and pooling water.
Trails: A network of granular trails will provide connectivity throughout the park, offering a variety of walking loops for users. 
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Areas
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Example images
Dog Play Area: An existing large soil pile will be reshaped to a gradual mound throughout the play area, creating soft slopes and natural contours for dogs and people to enjoy. Opportunities for agility or enrichment features may be included, subject to budget and community interest.
Small Dog Area: A separate small dog area will be fully fenced and located next to the parking lot for easy access.
Existing Storm Pond: The fenced storm pond is not accessible to people or pets due to concerns about safety and water quality. A fence will surround the pond to prevent access and ensure safety.
Potential Dry Pond: A space has been set aside for a future dry pond (similar to Dodger Dog Park) if more drainage capacity is needed for future surrounding City projects.
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Amenities
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Example images
Washrooms: While a permanent washroom was considered, the draft design includes more affordable portable units placed just outside the dog park fence near the parking lot for easy access and maintenance. Long-term planning will utilize shared permanent washrooms at the Community Amenities Site.
Seating, Shelter and Waste: The park will use City-standard benches, placed on concrete pads with an apron for accessibility. Custom shelters with picnic table may be added to provide shade. Waste bins will be provided at rest spots.
Planting: Additional planting pockets will be added throughout the park, with a focus on the north edge to help reduce wind and noise from Villeneuve Road and provide a visual buffer. The planting will feature native vegetation in a variety of sizes, from small seedlings to larger somewhat more mature trees, to support early establishment and lasting coverage.
