It’s fur real! New Dog Park Now Open at Ferris Provincial Park

from left, Councillor Daniel Giddings; MPP David Piccini; Christa Giddings.

Official Opening Today with Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks David Piccini

New off-leash area provides more opportunities for people and pets to enjoy provincial parks

Campbellford — Fri., June 30 2023 — The Government of Ontario is opening a new 11,250 square foot fenced off-leash dog park at Ferris Provincial Park, near Campbellford in Northumberland County to address the growing need for more pet-friendly areas in the provincial park system.

**MPP David Piccini with his dog Max and Councillor Daniel Giddings in the background**

“Ontario Parks-goers have told us they want to see more pet-friendly areas within provincial parks,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “That’s why we’re excited to expand offerings at Ferris Provincial Park with a new off-leash dog park where families can enjoy nature with their furriest family member.”

The new off-leash dog park provides more opportunities for residents, visitors and their pets to enjoy the health benefits of nature while creating a sense of community for families. Thanks to local community champions, this park is now a reality.

“The opening of the off-leash dog park at Ferris Provincial Park is a testament to our commitment to creating inclusive spaces for all members of our community, including our four-legged friends,” said Councillor Daniel Giddings..

To celebrate this announcement, a special limited-edition doggy bandana can be purchased onsite on June 30 and at the Ontario Parks Store while supplies last. Proceeds will be reinvested back into the new off-leash dog park.

Minister Piccini’s dog Max joined the festivities along with special four-legged dignitaries from Golden Rescue, one of Canada’s largest single-breed rescue groups.

In a special statement, Max declared: “The dog days of summer are officially upon us.”

QUICK FACTS

Ferris Provincial Park is a 198-hectare (nearly 490 acres) recreational class park near Campbellford in southeastern Ontario. That’s the size of 370 football fields!
The park currently offers a range of recreational activities — from camping to fishing and boating — and features the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, part of the longest recreational trail in the world, the Trans Canada Trail.
In the 2021 operating season, Ferris Provincial Park received more than 14,000 day-use visitors and saw close to 38,000 camper nights.
Ontario Parks offers a variety of pet exercise areas in provincial parks across the province. Check out the Ontario Parks’ webpage “Bringing your dog to Ontario Parks” for everything you need to know including which parks have dog friendly areas.