Beaverton Dog Park to Move Forward This Year

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Dog owners in Beaverton are one step closer to having a dedicated place for their pets to run and play, after Brock Council voted to move forward with the long-awaited Beaverton Dog Park project, this year.

The decision was made during the, Monday, June 15th, council meeting, when members considered a staff report, from, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Wayne Ward, outlining updated costs for the proposed dog park at Mill Gate Park.

Council, ultimately directed staff to proceed with the project and, approved funding the remaining shortfall through the Township's Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.

The dog park has been under discussion for nearly a year. In July of 2025, council reviewed quotations for the project which exceeded the original $15,000 budget and asked staff to explore a larger fenced area. A second report, presented in October of 2025, was also deferred because of insufficient funding.

During deliberations, for the 2026 municipal budget, council approved an additional $5,000 for the project, bringing the total available funding to $20,000.

"Staff met with the Mayor and reviewed the proposed area for this dog park installation," Mr. Ward noted. "The revised areas were sent out for quotes from the two previous contractors."

The updated design resulted in higher costs than anticipated. Quotes received came in at $48,816.49, from DC Fence, and $28,241.75, from Johnston Fence, not including HST. Based on the lower bid, the project faced a funding gap of more than $8,200.

Mr. Ward's report recommended postponing the project, until 2027, to allow additional funds to be included in a future budget.

Council, however, chose a different path.

Mayor Mike Jubb welcomed the decision, saying, the project has generated strong interest from residents.

"This is something many dog owners, in Beaverton, have been asking for," he said. "Council felt it was important to move ahead and provide a safe, dedicated space where residents and their pets can enjoy the outdoors together."

Once completed, the fenced facility will provide separate areas for large and small dogs, within Mill Gate Park. The new amenity will also be added to the Township's asset management plan, for future maintenance and replacement considerations.

With funding now secured, staff can begin taking the next steps toward construction, bringing the long-discussed project closer to reality, for local pet owners and their four-legged companions.