A Holiday Thank-You to the City of Saskatoon’s Off-Leash Dog Department
Some stories deserve a follow-up—not because something went wrong, but because something went right.
This winter, users of the South West Off-Leash Recreation Area noticed a welcome sight: repaired fencing along the park’s boundary near the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. The damaged chain-link and page-wire sections that had caused concern earlier in the season were restored, closing gaps that posed real risks to pets and their people.
It is fitting, during the Christmas season and as we look toward the New Year, to pause and say thank you.
When the City Listens—and Acts
The City of Saskatoon’s Off-Leash Dog Department responded to community reports and followed through with timely repairs. These fixes may seem modest at a glance, but their impact is anything but small. Secure fencing is the invisible infrastructure that allows dogs to run freely, guardians to relax, and everyone to enjoy the space safely.
For the many families who visit this area daily—often in the dark of winter mornings or during brisk evening walks—those repairs restored confidence and peace of mind. They also demonstrated something essential about good city governance: when residents raise concerns constructively, the City listens.
Gratitude Is Part of Civic Life Too
We are often encouraged to call, email, or submit online reports when problems arise—and rightly so. But there is another side of civic engagement that matters just as much: expressing appreciation when City staff do good work.
The City of Saskatoon has made this easy through its official “Compliment the City” online form. This tool ensures that positive feedback reaches the right department and the people who were directly involved in the work.
If you would like to send a message of thanks, you can use the City’s official compliment form here:
City of Saskatoon – Compliment the City
Compliments can also be shared more broadly by contacting:
- Mayor’s Office: mayors.office@saskatoon.ca
- City Council: City.Council@Saskatoon.ca
Taking a few minutes to send a note of appreciation helps recognize the dedication of City employees and reinforces the kind of responsive service we all value.
Closing the Loop
Earlier this year, concerns were raised about vandalized fencing and the risks it created for dogs near rail lines, winter conditions, and neighbouring roadways. That conversation mattered. The response mattered more.
This follow-up is about closing the loop—with gratitude.
The repaired fencing stands as a reminder that Saskatoon’s parks and off-leash recreation areas are shared responsibilities. When residents observe, report, and care—and when the City responds—everyone benefits.
Season’s Greetings, and Onward Together
As the year draws to a close, we extend sincere thanks to the City of Saskatoon’s Off-Leash Dog Department and all City staff who work quietly behind the scenes to keep our public spaces safe and welcoming.
May the New Year bring continued collaboration, care for our shared places, and many joyful, worry-free walks—on two legs and four.
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area or
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Support via Zeffy
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )
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