Downtown Winnipeg's Bonnycastle Park goes to the dogs

Fur goodness sake, Winnipeg's downtown dogs finally have a place to play.

The oft-delayed dog park in downtown is a 1,200-square-metre section of Bonnycastle Park, located between the Assiniboine River and Assiniboine Avenue, at Garry Street. The $400,000 park officially opened at 11 a.m. Thursday.

The idea of an off-leash park has dogged Mayor Brian Bowman ever since he made it a campaign promise in 2014.

Bonnycastle was finally identified as the site in July 2016 with plans to open it by November 2016. However, the plans were delayed due to objections from Crystal Developers, which owns a new 25-storey apartment building just west of the park.

The city held off construction to give officials a chance to speak with Crystal Developers, which expressed concern about noise from barking dogs potentially bothering residents of their "upscale" building.

The company also questioned the location of the park, saying there were no pet-friendly buildings within walking distance of it.

The city made some adjustments to the landscaping design and pushed ahead, saying it owned the land and the park was something people wanted.

Winnipeg planning, property and development director John Kiernan said berms were installed between the park and Crystal's tower. The dog park will also close overnight, though lights will be installed by spring to illuminate the grounds during the evening, he said. 

Winnipeg's downtown dog park

7 years ago

Duration 2:01

The oft-delayed dog park in downtown is a 1,200-square-metre section of Bonnycastle Park, located between the Assiniboine River and Assiniboine Avenue, at Garry Street. The $400,000 park officially opened Thursday.

He also said the city will keep the park's plastic surface clean.

Bowman joked Thursday about the time it took to build a park roughly the size of an Olympic swimming pool.

"I don't think the dogs will mind. They may not be as aware of the wait as we are at city hall. I just look forward to being able to have this amenity for downtown residents," said the mayor, adding the extra time was required to placate Crystal Developers.

Crystal vice-president Heidi Spletzer said she remains unhappy. She says in the few days the park has been open to the public dog owners are already allowing their pets to roam on Crystal's property and are fouling the front entrance of its tower at 300 Assiniboine Ave. 

More from CBC Manitoba:

• Execution anniversary of Louis Riel inspires exhibit of rare, curious items
• 'She was just an amazing person': Winnipegger who died in Cambodia remembered as kind, compassionate
• CBC INVESTIGATES | Jazz prof Steve Kirby fired from Berklee College after U of M students share harassment complaints