This summer, the Town of Innisfil invites residents and visitors to bring their dogs to the new Dog Beach at Innisfil Beach Park. The pilot initiative runs on Wednesdays from June 1 to August 31 on Beach 1, located at 676 Innisfil Beach Road.
“We’ve heard from community members that they want a dedicated space to bring their dog for beach days and water access,” says Nicole Bowman, Director of Operations at the Town of Innisfil.
“We thank the Innisfil Beach Park Ad Hoc Committee—a group comprised of Innisfil residents, staff, and council—for championing this ‘Dogs Days of Summer’ initiative in the park.”
Beach 1 is located at the south end of the park and is separate from the other beaches at Innisfil Beach Park. Dog owners must pick up after their pets and keep their dogs leashed while on the beach. Water access is permitted for dogs off Beach 1.
Parkgoers are reminded that dogs are not allowed on beaches or within 15 m of the water’s edge outside of the pilot project on Beach 1. The Town’s Parks By-law does not permit dogs at Innisfil Beach Park on weekends and statutory holidays between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. from the Friday before Victoria Day to the Tuesday after Thanksgiving Day. Parking at the park is free with a valid resident parking pass. Paid parking is available for non-resident visitors.
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) will continue its beach water testing program this summer from June to September, which includes Innisfil Beach Park. SMDHU collects water samples to test for levels of E. coli bacteria. When elevated levels of E. coli are present in the water samples, the beach may be posted with an advisory warning indicating it is unsafe for swimming or the beach may be closed.
The Town invites community members to leave feedback about the Dog Beach at www.innisfil.ca/IBP.
Images provided by the Town of Innisfil
