Toronto launches ‘Alcohol in Parks’ pilot program
🕘 3 min read
Pop. Fizz. Clink. Consuming alcoholic beverages in select Toronto parks is permitted for a limited time, thanks to a new pilot program launched by the city.
From August 2 until October 9 2023, people aged 19 years and above can bring and enjoy alcoholic beverages in 27 select parks across the city as part of a new Alcohol in Parks Pilot Program, as a result of an idea formally pitched to government officials last year, and the 2019 Budget - when the Province of Ontario announced amendments to the Liquor Licence and Control Act to “permit municipal Councils to change bylaws to designate public places, including parks, for personal alcohol consumption.”
The process
The motion “Enjoying a Drink Outdoors: Providing Safe, Responsible and Equitable Options for All,” was brought forward last year by Josh Matlow, Councillor for Ward 12, Toronto—St. Paul's (and 2023 Mayoral Candidate), and seconded by Councillor for Ward 7, Humber River–Black Creek, Anthony Perruzza.
City Council voted in support of the motion on May 12, 2023. Staff were instructed to develop a pilot program set to launch for Summer and Fall 2023 and asked to consult “interested Councillors on hosting a pilot park in their ward, provide Councillors with a list of parks most suited for the pilot and report back in July with a recommended approach, including required bylaw amendments.”
On July 6, 2023, City of Toronto’s Economic and Community Development Committee considered the pilot program to allow drinking in 20 parks, “confirmed in consultation with local Councillors.” Later in the month, it was approved in 27 parks across the city, selected based on a number of criteria including park size, access to washrooms, and not neighbouring any school.
Shelley Carroll, Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee, and Councillor for Ward 17, Don Valley North, said via news release, “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.”
Pilot project signage displayed at one of the designated parks, Riverdale Park East.
PARKS + LOCATIONS
NORTH
Cedarvale Park | 443 Arlington Ave.
Eglinton Park | 200 Eglinton Ave. W.
June Rowlands Park | 220 Davisville Ave.
Lee Lifeson Art Park | 45 Princess Ave.
Milliken Park | 5555 Steeles Ave. E.
Oriole Park | 201 Oriole Pkwy.
Skymark Park | 3500 Don Mills Rd.
Sir Winston Churchill Park | 301 St. Clair Ave. W.
EAST
Corktown Common | 155 Bayview Ave.
East Toronto Athletic Field | 175 Main St.
Greenwood Park | 150 Greenwood Ave.
McCleary Park | 755 Lake Shore Blvd. E.
Monarch Park | 115 Felstead Ave.
Morningside Park | 390 Morningside Ave.
Neilson Park – Scarborough | 1555 Neilson Rd.
Riverdale Park East | 550 Broadview Ave.
Underpass Park | 33 St. Lawrence St.
Withrow Park | 725 Logan Ave.
WEST
Campbell Avenue Playground and Park | 225 Campbell Ave.
Christie Pits Park | 750 Bloor St. W.
Dovercourt Park | 155 Bartlett Ave.
Dufferin Grove Park | 875 Dufferin St.
Earlscourt Park | 1200 Lansdowne Ave.
Hillcrest Park | 950 Davenport Rd.
Queen’s Park | 110 Wellesley St. W.
Roundhouse Park | 255 Bremmer Blvd.
Trinity Bellwoods Park | 790 Queen St. W.
To get a closer look at park locations, see the Pilot Map.
GUIDELINES
Focusing on reducing restrictions on responsible drinking in parks, the guidelines for the locations above as are follows:
• Must be legal drinking age of 19 years
• Do not supply or serve alcohol to people under the legal drinking age of 19 years
• Drink only within the pilot parks and between park hours - 5:30am to 12midnight
• Dispose of empty bottles, cans and cups in a park recycling bin or remove off-site (Beverage container recycling bins have been installed in pilot parks, collection in larger high-traffic pilot parks will take place in the early mornings to ensure the safety of park users, and the public is encouraged to report any overflowing bins to 311)
• Be respectful of and do not disturb other park users - Public intoxication and disruptive behaviour including public urination are not allowed
• Alcohol may not be consumed within two metres of playgrounds, wading pools, splash pads or skateboard parks, or inside the gates of an outdoor swimming pool or deck.
For both pilot and non-pilot parks, park users will be expected to follow all applicable legislation, including:
• Park users must comply with the provincial Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019
• Alcohol consumption is not permitted in non-pilot parks.
Note: All park events where alcohol will be sold or served to the public still require a City of Toronto Special Event permit and a permit/license from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
Did you know?
Toronto is the first Ontario municipality to introduce a pilot program like this since the Province authorized municipalities to designate public spaces for personal alcohol consumption. Alberta and British Columbia launched similar pilot programs in select cities in 2020 and 2021. Based on the positive results of these programs, most cities have extended pilots or transitioned to permanent programs, including Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. Note: All pilot programs involved a small number of parks; no city conducted a pilot involving all the parks in the municipality.
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