Toronto City Council has greenlit a pilot program permitting responsible alcohol consumption in 27 of its parks for individuals aged 19 and above.
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The program, first proposed in May 2023, will be operational from August 2 to October 9, 2023.
Per the news release, the selected parks were confirmed in collaboration with local councillors, while the pilot itself is based on public health guidelines, public safety considerations, and the experiences of other Canadian cities with similar initiatives.
Park-goers are required to follow all relevant legislation, including the provincial Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019, which bars public intoxication and serving alcohol to individuals under 19. Permits and licenses are mandatory for selling or serving liquor in any park. The pilot doesn’t extend to non-pilot parks where alcohol consumption remains prohibited.
According to the news release, bylaw enforcement officers will educate people on park rules and enforce compliance. Toronto is Ontario’s first municipality to launch such a program since the provincial government allowed for the designation of public spaces for personal alcohol consumption.
The city says the pilot’s impact on park users and neighbouring communities will be assessed through 311 reporting, staff field observations, and an online public survey.
This follows similar successful programs in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. The findings will be reported to the Council in early 2024.
List of 27 parks where alcohol consumption will be allowed from August 2 to October 9, 2023
Key guidelines include drinking only within designated parks during specified hours (5:30 a.m. to midnight), responsibly disposing of empty bottles, respect for other park-goers, and compliance with the legal drinking age of 19 years. Supplying or serving alcohol to those under the legal age is prohibited.
Additionally, alcohol consumption is not allowed within two meters of playgrounds, pools, splash pads, or skateboard parks, or inside outdoor pool areas. Public intoxication, disruptive behaviour, and public urination are strictly forbidden under the program rules.
- Campbell Avenue Playground and Park
225 Campbell Ave. - Cedarvale Park
443 Arlington Ave. - Christie Pits Park
750 Bloor St. W. - Corktown Common
155 Bayview Ave. - Dovercourt Park
155 Bartlett Ave. - Dufferin Grove Park
875 Dufferin St. - Earlscourt Park
1200 Lansdowne Ave. - East Toronto Athletic Field
175 Main St. - Eglinton Park
200 Eglinton Ave. W. - Greenwood Park
150 Greenwood Ave. - Hillcrest Park
950 Davenport Rd. - June Rowlands Park
220 Davisville Ave. - Lee Lifeson Art Park
45 Princess Ave. - McCleary Park
755 Lake Shore Blvd. E. - Milliken Park
5555 Steeles Ave. E. - Monarch Park
115 Felstead Ave. - Morningside Park
390 Morningside Ave. - Neilson Park – Scarborough
1555 Neilson Rd. - Oriole Park – Toronto
201 Oriole Pkwy. - Queen’s Park
110 Wellesley St. W. - Riverdale Park East
550 Broadview Ave. - Roundhouse Park
255 Bremmer Blvd. - Sir Winston Churchill Park
301 St. Clair Ave. W. - Skymark Park
3500 Don Mills Rd. - Trinity Bellwoods Park
790 Queen St. W. - Underpass Park
33 St. Lawrence St. - Withrow Park
725 Logan Ave.