City of Toronto removes ‘no barking’ signs at dog park after backlash

The City of Toronto has removed “no barking” signs posted at a popular off-leash dog park asking owners to control their pets and keep them from making noise.

Community members noticed newly-installed signs at St. Andrew’s Playground Park near Spadina Avenue and Adelaide Street West stating that excessive barking will “not be tolerated.”

“Due to the closeness of area residents, do not allow your dogs to bark and disturb the neighbourhood,” the sign read. “Excessive barking will not be tolerated. Please be a responsible dog owner and follow all posted off-leash area rules.”

When reached for comment on Tuesday, a city spokesperson initially explained that signage “was installed at this location to remind users of the off-leash area to be considerate of nearby residents,” stating that while barking is expected, excessive barking is not permitted.

A City of Toronto sign found at St. Andrews Playground in the downtown core has since been removed. Photo: CityNews Toronto.

Hours later, a city spokesperson informed CityNews that the no barking signage had been removed from the dog park as it “does not meet city standards.”

“Although the sign was placed at this location with the intention of helping users of the off-leash area and neighbouring residents coexist harmoniously, we recognize that the information did not meet the mark,” said Magdalena Stec, Strategic Public and Employee Communications.

“The city will be reviewing its sign approval process to ensure clear communication in future signs.”

Dog owners that spoke to CityNews admitted they’re relieved to hear that the signage had been taken down, acknowledging that dogs will be dogs.

“They wasted material in making [the signs],” one man said. Another woman genuinely thought the sign was a joke.

“It’s like telling kids in a playground to stop yelling.”

City councillor criticizes decision to post ‘no barking’ signs

Ausma Malik, city councillor for Ward 10 (Spadina-Fort York), said she was concerned about the city’s decision to post the sign at the off-leash dog park.

“I have reached out to Parks, Forestry and Recreation senior staff to understand the consultation process that led to the installation of these signs and to determine what steps can be taken to ensure they are appropriately revised,” Malik told CityNews.

“The parks and public spaces we share are vital to community-building and well-being, especially in our downtown neighbourhoods. Our goal must be to find the best way to accommodate all users respectfully.”

St. Andrew’s Playground Park is popular among city residents, with some dog owners calling it the best space downtown for letting their pets run off-leash while crediting the city for keeping it well-maintained.

“I don’t know how realistic or enforceable this is,” another dog owner said on Wednesday. “A better idea is if the park is open until midnight is to limit the hours of operation… that would be more sensible.”

There were some people that felt the city had the right to warn pet owners to control their dogs from excessive noise but noted that there isn’t much an official can do about it.

“How are you supposed to get your dog not to bark?”

With files from Tina Yazdani of CityNews