Making New Westminster a Recognized “Pooch-Friendly” City

New Westminster has many dog owners. As the city densifies, it is increasingly challenging for these dogs to effectively co-exist in our urban environment that has limited green space. Dog owners can play an important role in animating our streets and keeping them safe. As a team, we commit to establishing our first-ever “Pooch Platform” and:

  • Expanding the number of off-leash dog parks in our city by 20% over the next 5 years.
  • Working with local businesses, enterprises, and dog owners, establish a voluntary “Certi-Pooch Program” that would allow for well-mannered dogs to enter businesses. 
  • Seek out the feasibility of creating a “Pooch Pallooza Day” in New Westminster which would celebrate dogs and their owners. This could become a region-wide festival and help to establish our city as the leading “pooch-friendly” city in Metro Vancouver. 
  • Help convert more fire hydrants to become doggie water fountains – starting in neighbourhoods that are tree deficient.
  • Establish a new Mayor’s Dog Owner Working Group to help guide the city’s work in support of our canines.

Read our News Release HERE.