Toronto Council Votes On Motion To Allow Alcohol consumption In Some Parks This Summer

Toronto’s city council has voted to approve the development of a pilot program that would allow residents to drink alcohol in some public parks this summer.

The motion calling for the pilot was introduced by city councillors Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North) and Chris Moise (Toronto Centre) and directs city staff to work with other interested councillors interested in hosting a pilot in their ward.

A city spokesperson said the proposed pilot is slated to run from August 5 to October 9 in parks where the local councillor has opted into the program.

Staff members will consult with councillors once a list of suitable parks is provided and will report back on July 6, 2023, in time for the council meeting.

“Toronto’s parks are one of the many things that make our city great. I want to thank Councillor Carroll, Councillor Moise and council for moving this pilot forward in a responsible and reasonable way,” said Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie.

Last May, councillor Josh Matlow proposed allowing people to drink beer and wine with an alcohol content below 15 per cent in parks and beaches with bathrooms. Consumption would only be permitted between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. and similar to smoking laws, drinking would be prohibited around playgrounds and sports fields.

However, councillors opted to defer the issue until 2023 after former mayor John Tory called on city staff to study the issue further.

Currently, anyone caught with an open alcohol container in a city park faces a fine of up to $300.

The city said no fines or tickets were issued for drinking in parks in 2022 but noted that existing bylaws regarding liquor in parks would continue to apply in all parks.

Park attendees must still acquire a permit and licence to sell or serve liquor and cannot consume or possess an open container of liquor in parks not included in the pilot.

“It’s a well-known fact that people already drink in parks,” said Councillor Moise.

“This pilot will provide the city with an opportunity to explore responsible implementation of public alcohol consumption, and evaluate any impacts on public health and public safety through a harm reduction approach.”