Collingwood dog owners caught with an off-leash pet in public can now expect a fine on the first offence rather than a warning. The Town of Collingwood‘s new Zero Tolerance Enforcement Policy took effect July 20, 2026, and runs through June 30, 2027, putting an end to the previous warning-first approach for dogs found running at large.
Under the policy, Municipal Law Enforcement Officers may issue a penalty notice or a ticket under the Provincial Offences Act immediately. The rules stem from the town’s Responsible Pet Ownership By-law 2012-016, which prohibits any dog from being off its owner’s property without a leash. The maximum fine under the bylaw is $5,000 plus court costs.
The crackdown follows months of growing complaints from residents. Mayor Yvonne Hamlin, whose own leashed dog was once bitten by an unleashed dog, supports the tougher stance. “I fall into the zero tolerance camp,” Hamlin said in a recent council discussion. “There are more unleashed dogs now than there have been previous years.” The incident left her with a $300 vet bill.
Councillor Chris Potts brought the issue to council in June 2026 after a severe dog attack in Collingwood that is now working its way through the courts. Town Clerk Sara Almas noted that bylaw staff previously focused on education rather than fines, but some owners seem to believe they can let dogs run free if no one else is around.
Dog owners still have three designated off-leash parks where pets can run without a leash at no cost: Pawplar Dog Park at Poplar Sideroad and Portland Street, Central Park Dog Park at 250 Hume Street, and Heritage Park Dog Park at 11 High Street. The town reminds residents that leashes are required everywhere else in public spaces.
