Alcohol could be allowed in eight ѻý parks, pending city councilѻý support Monday.
A trial program permitting the consumption of booze in three parks last summer has been deemed a success by city officials.
Few complaints were received by either police or bylaw officers regarding the trial program, they say.
The proposal is to allow open consumption of alcohol between noon and 9 p.m. between May 15 and Sept. 15 in the following parks: Waterfront, including Tugboat Beach; Sutherland Bay, Cedar Creek, Kinsmen, Sarsons Beach, Boyce-Gyro, Strathcona, and Rotary Beach.
No booze would be allowed within 15 metres of playgrounds and nearby residences or on “piers/boardwalks without railings”.
Public intoxication will continue to be “not permitted”, the report to council states, and prohibitions against smoking and vaping will remain in place.
Benefits of allowing alcohol in parks are said by the city to include “advancing equity” since many people who live in multi-family complexes do not have access to private outdoor space.
“By allowing responsible liquor consumption in designated areas, we are creating an opportunity for people to come together and interact in a safe and enjoyable environment,” the report to council states.
Interior Health has been briefed on the cityѻý plan and does not object, the report says, providing several conditions are met. These include “providing visible on-site signage indicating potential harms related to liquor and that no amount of liquor is safe”.