On July 6, the City of Toronto’s Economic and Community Development Committee will consider a pilot program to permit residents and visitors to drink alcohol in 20 parks. From August 2 to October 9, people from age 19 would be allowed to responsibly take alcohol in 20 City parks that have been confirmed while consulting with local Councillors.
In May, Toronto City Council voted to support a motion which directs staff to establish a pilot program that allows personal alcohol consumption in some City parks this summer and fall. City staff were told to consult interested Councillors about hosting a pilot park in their ward, provide Councillors with a list of parks best suited for the pilot and give a report in July with a recommended approach that includes required bylaw amendments.
The staff report on the Alcohol in Parks Pilot Program, including the list of 20 proposed parks, can be viewed on the City’s website. After review by the Economic Development and Community Committee on July 6, recommendations will be presented before Council during its meeting between July 19 and 21.
The proposed pilot is based on public health guidance, public safety and operational considerations and the experiences of other cities in Canada. For both pilot and non-pilot parks, park users will follow all applicable legislation, including:
- A permit and licence are still required to sell or serve liquor in any park.
- Park users must comply with the provincial Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 which prohibits public intoxication and supplying/serving alcohol to people under 19 years old.
- Alcohol consumption is not permitted in non-pilot parks.
In every City park, bylaw enforcement officers first explain to people park rules and City bylaws to foster public awareness and achieve compliance. Bylaw enforcement officers go to parks frequently and will continue to visit parks as part of their regular duties throughout the pilot. The City will always address park complaints and prioritize investigations into matters that pose risks to public health and safety.
While talking about the development, Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee, said: “I’m pleased that local Councillors have opted-in a broad range of parks in 12 wards across the city to participate in this sensible pilot to allow alcohol in parks this summer and fall. My thanks to City staff who have prepared this public health-informed approach and are ready to monitor and evaluate this pilot with added attention.”
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