City identifies 20 parks as part of pilot program allowing alcohol consumption this summer

Trinity Bellwoods Park and Christie Pits Park are among the 20 locations identified by the City of Toronto to take part in a pilot program allowing personal alcohol consumption this summer.

City council approved a plan last month that would see alcohol permitted in parks in designated wards across the city from August 2 to October 9.

The parks selected include:

• Eglinton Park, Ward 8 – Eglinton-Lawrence
• Earlscourt, Ward 9 – Davenport
• Dufferin Grove Park, Ward 9 – Davenport
• Campbell Avenue Playground and Park, Ward 9 – Davenport
• Dovercourt Park, Ward 9 – Davenport
• Roundhouse Park, Ward 10 – Spadina-Fort York
• Trinity Bellwoods Park, Ward 10 – Spadina-Fort York
• Christie Pits Park, Ward 11 – University-Rosedale
• Queen’s Park (110 Wellesley St W), Ward 11 – University-Rosedale
• Sir Winston Churchill Park, Ward 12 – Toronto-St. Paul’s
• Corktown Common, Ward 13 – Toronto Centre
• Greenwood Park, Ward 14 – Toronto-Danforth
• Riverdale Park East, Ward 14 – Toronto-Danforth
• Withrow Park, Ward 14 – Toronto-Danforth
• Monarch Park, Ward 14 – Toronto-Danforth
• Skymark Park, Ward 17 – Don Valley North
• Lee Lifeson Art Park, Ward 18 – Willowdale
• East Toronto Athletic Field, Ward 19 – Beaches-East York
• Milliken Park, Ward 23 – Scarborough North
• Neilson Park – Scarborough, Ward 25 – Scarborough-Rouge Park

Residents will be allowed to consume alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, cider and ready-mixed cocktails, that do not exceed 15 per cent alcohol by volume, between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.

“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,” said Don Valley North councillor Shelley Carroll.

The recommendation and necessary bylaw changes will go before council at its July 19 meeting.

The report will also include advice from the Medical Officer of Health on any harm reduction, treatment or education programs to be in place prior to the approval and implementation of the pilot.

Alcohol consumption is still not permitted in parks not identified by the pilot program. Currently, anyone caught with an open alcohol container in a city park faces a fine of up to $300.