City committee to debate whether to allow alcohol in parks

A man drinks a beer in Trinity Bellwoods Park, in Toronto, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. The City of Ottawa’s community services committee will debate whether or not they will allow alcohol consumption in city parks starting this year. Photo by CHRIS YOUNG /THE CANADIAN PRESSArticle content

The City of Ottawa’s community services committee will debate whether to allow alcohol consumption in city parks starting this year.

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According to a report to be discussed on Tuesday, staff recommended provisions to allow people to drink in designated areas of parks.

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If approved, the city would allow alcohol consumption in certain parks between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.

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The report recommended that alcohol not be allowed within a five-metre radius surrounding these amenities:

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playgroundswading pools, splash pools and outdoor poolsbeachesskateboard and BMX parksparking lotsnatural or artificial ice rinksports fields, sports courts and ball diamondssanctioned sledding hillswithin an area of a park where an event is taking place under a valid permit, unless expressly authorizedArticle content

City staff also recommended two approaches to allowing alcohol in parks, if approved.

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The first approach would allow the councillor in each ward to work with the city’s general manager and their communities to decide whether or not they would designate a park to allow alcohol consumption.

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The second approach would be a phased process where the general manager consulted with ward councillors to authorize one park for alcohol consumption between July 31 and Oct. 30. A post-pilot evaluation and report would be presented to council for further direction.

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Currently alcohol in city parks is prohibited except during permitted events.

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“The Liquor Licence Act of Ontario states that municipalities have the authority to designate public places under by-laws where the consumption of alcohol is allowed. This provincial legislation change has prompted municipalities to consider amending by-laws to reflect the local perspective and intended future direction on the matter,” city staff wrote.

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“As other municipalities consider permitting this activity, there was interest for the City of Ottawa to explore this topic as part of the re-enactment of the Parks and Facilities By-law.”

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The move comes after several major cities in Canada amended bylaws to allow alcohol consumption in parks over the past year.

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Most decided to go with a phased approach. In Calgary, a pilot was introduced in 2021 to allow alcohol consumption in certain picnic sites, large areas and winter fire pits. The program was made permanent year-round the following year.