Transforming a Neglected Ravine into a Safe Off-Leash Dog Park for St. James Town

From "Post your proposal here for the consideration of Councillor Moise"

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This proposal seeks to transform the fenced, underutilized green space above the Line 2 subway tunnel between Castle Frank and Sherbourne stations—directly across from 575 Bloor Street East—into a safe, accessible off-leash dog park serving North St. James Town.

The site is currently unused for positive community purposes and has become a location for encampments, open drug use, and repeated fire incidents requiring Toronto Fire Services responses. These conditions present ongoing safety risks to residents, transit infrastructure, and the surrounding neighbourhood.

North St. James Town is one of Toronto’s most densely populated communities, with thousands of residents living in high-rise buildings and hundreds of dog owners nearby, including those at 575 and 585 Bloor Street East alone. Despite this density, there is no off-leash dog park within walking distance. This lack of nearby amenities forces residents to travel long distances or use unsuitable informal spaces.

A well-designed off-leash dog park would immediately activate this fenced green space with consistent, positive daily use. Regular presence by residents creates natural surveillance, discourages unsafe activity, and improves overall public safety. Dog parks also support physical and mental health, foster social connection among neighbours, and improve quality of life in high-density communities.

The proposed park would leverage existing fencing and include secure double-gated entrances, accessible pathways, seating, lighting, waste stations, and shaded areas. By converting a neglected area into a welcoming community asset, this project delivers safety, equity, and well-being benefits for residents, dog owners, and the broader neighbourhood.

Key Benefits

Improves public safety by activating an underused space with regular community presence

Addresses fire risk and unsafe conditions through positive land use

Provides a much-needed off-leash area in a high-density neighbourhood

Supports mental health, physical activity, and social connection

Uses existing fencing and infrastructure for cost-effective implementation

Aligns with City goals for equitable access to parks and amenities

Comments(3)

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Profile of A A

Posted by:A A

2 months ago

The so-called “Neglected Ravine” you are referring to is in fact a vital part of Rosedale Valley — the only continuous green, wooded corridor between Bloor Street and Rosedale Valley Road. It is not an empty lot or unused land. It is a living ecosystem that provides essential habitat and sanctuary for insects, pollinators, birds, small mammals, and other wildlife that depend on this rare urban green space. Rosedale Valley is one of the most beautiful and environmentally significant ravines in the heart of the city. Cutting down mature trees to build a dog park would permanently damage this fragile ecosystem. These trees are not decorative — they produce oxygen, improve air quality, absorb carbon, reduce noise pollution, prevent erosion, and act as natural climate regulators by cooling the area and protecting it from extreme weather. Removing them would mean sacrificing long-term environmental protection for short-term convenience. In a time of climate crisis and biodiversity loss, destroying established green space in the city’s core is irresponsible and short-sighted. Before moving into the area or buying a condo as a dog owner, you should do your due diligence and confirm whether a dog park exists nearby, rather than complaining later that there isn’t one.

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Profile of Matthew Skogstad-Stubbs

Posted by:Matthew Skogstad-Stubbs

2 months ago

@A A there is a section of the ravine that is being used as a camping site. This is a proposal to turn that space into something that can be used by the broader community in a positive way, instead of misused by a small segment who start fires and use it as a trash pile. If this space weren't being misused I wouldn't be suggesting we find a positive purpose for it.

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Profile of Lisa Cahill

Posted by:Lisa Cahill

2 months ago

@A A I agree with you except your last sentiment. With that logic, you could say 'well you shouldn't have moved here if you don't like the run down playground/bad school/poor services at the rec centre'. I think it's good for people to advocate for improvements to their neighbourhood. With a lack of official off leash areas, it will mean an increase in off leash dogs in the Valley, which can cause significant harm to the delicate ecosystem you mentioned. Rosedale Valley my not be the place for the dog park, but it's good that they a bringing this real issue forward.

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Profile of Matthew Skogstad-StubbsMatthew Skogstad-Stubbs on January 10, 2026

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575 Bloor Street East, Toronto, ON, Canada

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Transforming a Neglected Ravine into a Safe Off-Leash Dog Park for St. James Town

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