Read what neighbours proposed — drawings, written plans, uploads and voice notes.
Frequently asked questions
Why does this matter?
Hill Street Dog Park was reconfigured by installing a permanent fenced area for small dogs, substantially changing the amount and configuration of flexible general-use space.
The City's own figures disagree on how big the small-dog area actually is, and its drawing's fence line doesn't match the fence on the ground — so we can't verify either figure as the current as-built configuration. See the evidence section below for the full range and sourcing.
Community observations continue to show that about nine in ten observed dogs use the main area and that the small-dog area is frequently empty. The concern is not whether small dogs deserve protected space. It is whether the current size and configuration reflect actual use while maintaining safety, accessibility, water access and movement through the park. See the full observation dashboard.
What is the petition asking the City to do?
We're asking the City of Hamilton to review the current configuration of the small-dog area, consider the community's observations and feedback, and work with park users to develop a layout that better serves both large and small dogs.
Who's behind this?
The Hill Street Dog Park Community Coalition — a volunteer group of regular park users. We're not affiliated with the City of Hamilton.
How can I get involved?
Submit a solution while submissions are open, sign the petition, submit an observation the next time you're at the park, or contact us using the form below. You can also donate to help cover printing, signage, and web hosting costs. Every solution, signature, observation, conversation, and donation helps build a stronger case for evidence-based improvements.
How the community is reviewing this
A transparent, evidence-based process, from observation through to a formal proposal to the City.
Space compared with observed use
City-Provided Reference Drawing: Not Confirmed As-Built
The City's own record is inconsistent about the small-dog area's size: Councillor Wilson's newsletters describe "approximately one-third" of the park (≈0.35 acres), while the City-supplied drawing labels it 0.26 acres (24.5%) of the 1.06-acre total. The fence line on that drawing also does not match the fence's actual location on the ground, and the as-built fence appears to align more closely with the one-third figure — a Coalition visual observation, not a measurement. Depending on which official figure is used, the small-dog area occupies roughly 0.26–0.35 acres of the total; because moving the fence changes the area on each side, we do not treat either figure as a verified measurement of the current configuration.
We have asked the City for clarification and accurate as-built information. As of August 22, 2026, no explanation or corrected drawing has been provided. Confirmed as-built dimensions are also pending via a Freedom of Information request (#26-256). Wilson newsletter, Feb 27, 2026 · Jun 5, 2026 · See the full timeline →
Across the full community observation dataset, about 88% of observed dogs have been in the main area and 12% in the small-dog area. The small-dog area has been empty in 67% of observations — and empty while the main area was in active use in 67% of them.
Based on 527 community observations through Sep 13, 2026.
After accounting for the different area sizes — and depending on which area figures are used — the main area has had approximately 2.5–3.8 times the average observed dog density of the small-dog area.
Help spread the word
The more people who see this, the stronger the case. Share this page with neighbours.
Contact us
Questions, media inquiries, or want to get more involved? Send a message and we'll get back to you.
Prefer to email directly? Reach us at [email protected].
Support this campaign & service
This effort is entirely volunteer-run. Contributions go toward printing, signage, web hosting, and other campaign costs.
