‘Do better,’ Parks Canada warns dog walkers in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake park

People caught walking their dogs without leashes in a popular Niagara-on-the-Lake park could face fines.

Recently, Parks Canada released a statement on social media asking some dog walkers to “do better” following sightings of off-leash dogs in Fort George and the commons at Butler’s Barracks National Historic Site. 

“We’d like to thank the many dog walkers that do a great job of keeping their dog on-leash at Niagara national historic sites,” Parks Canada said in a statement. 

“Unfortunately, there are dog walkers at Parks Canada properties, especially Fort George and the commons at Butler’s Barracks National Historic Site, who need to do better.” 

Butler’s Barracks is a historic military complex located at 51 Queen’s Parade, southwest of the Fort George National Historic Site in NOTL. 

On its website, Parks Canada says the site is known for its military history and British occupation between 1812 and 1871. The historic site includes preserved wooden buildings, landscaped features related to its former military use and the Paradise Grove wooded area.

In the statement, Parks Canada said wardens will ticket people with off-leash pets outside the specific designated off-leash area to ensure the safety of all walkers, bikers, runners, and dog walkers. 

Parks Canada also says enforcing the rule will protect other species living on the site.

Some residents praised the move, saying the problem exists in multiple parks and outdoor spaces.

“This is a problem everywhere… The sense of entitlement is palpable,” one person wrote on social media. 

Tickets range in severity, with fines starting at $95. 

Penalties can be higher if an off-leash dog is seen harassing people, other dogs or wildlife, destroying property or wandering through a restricted area. A Parks Canada spokesperson wrote if the circumstances are particularly egregious, a person could face fines worth thousands of dollars.