Changes afoot for Kilcona Park

East Kildonan

Changes are coming to Kilcona Park and, while some of are long overdue, others are upsetting dog walkers.

Let’s start with the good. The City of Winnipeg proposes a dog agility space on top of the hill, along with three shelters in the dog park area and two in what are now the cross-country trails. On the south side, a future pedestrian bridge could cross the pond, linking the forest trail and the main walking area. A “dog beach” could be added near the bridge on its northern end.

Fencing will be erected to reduce conflicts between dog walkers and other park users, such as softball and soccer players, disc golfers, and sledders. The lack of separation between these user groups has been a flaw in the park’s design for decades.

While many dog walkers are respectful of other users, some don’t have proper control over their animals, which sometimes run into the sports areas. Judging by the amount of dog waste I see every day, including in on-leash areas, too many people don’t watch their dogs closely enough, or they simply don’t care.

Now for the contentious. A central roadway and adjacent active transportation pathway are planned to run along the existing northwest service road before cutting between the lake and hill. It will follow the lake before reconnecting with the service road that cuts through the centre of the park. The route then winds its way towards Springfield Road.

That road will come with a fence that prevents animals from running onto the road. That is good. What upsets many dog walkers is the loss of the northern paths. That eliminates a major chunk of the walking area, especially those who like longer walks without repeating sections. The winter ice walk and its great views is a treat that will be going away.

Fencing will be added throughout the park, running along the planned road to the east, where the dog walking area will be separated from the current cross-country trails. It continues immediately east of the lake and cuts through the southern forest to give separation between the trails and flying circle. Once out of the forest, it ends at the pond before resuming across the pond to continue between the baseball diamond and the hill.

Seven gates are planned at key access points, such as the baseball diamond and asphalt pathways. The City of Winnipeg also foresees new seating and waste stations, accessible trail upgrades, better signage and more trees. That work has started, as several trees were planted on the southwest section in 2025. Kudos to the city for redoing the asphalt pathways, too.

On the Harbourview side, the maintenance yard will be fenced in, and several derelict structures will be demolished. A picnic shelter will be added to the waterfront area. In the future, should additional funding be secured, there could be parking upgrades, drainage improvements, new docks, interim safety renovations and a new pavilion.

The efforts are welcome, as some of the infrastructure was falling apart. The fencing will help in many areas, though the loss of the northern section will be felt. Hopefully there will be some discretion for senior dog walkers who are limited in where they can walk, especially in the winter.

Learn more at: winnipeg.ca/node/42597