Toronto to launch pilot program allowing alcohol consumption in city parks

Toronto is launching a pilot program to determine the future of alcohol consumption in city parks.

City council on Friday approved a plan which will see alcohol permitted in parks in designated wards across the city from August 5 to October 9.

City staff will work with councillors interested in hosting the pilot in their ward, providing a list of parks most suited for the pilot by July 6. A recommendation, along with necessary bylaw changes, will then go before council at its July 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.

“It’s a well-known fact that people already drink in parks. 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,” said councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre).

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 tickets were issued for drinking in parks last year.