Toronto Could Allow Drinking Alcohol In 20 Parks This Summer

You may be legally allowed to drink alcohol in some Toronto parks later this summer.

The City of Toronto is considering a pilot program that would permit adults aged 19 years and older to drink alcohol in 20 public parks, including Trinity Bellwoods, Christie Pitts, and Riverdale Park East.

If approved, the pilot will run from Wednesday, August 2, until Monday, October 9, in parks where local councillors have chosen to opt-in. Alcohol consumption will be allowed between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 12:00 a.m., and will not be permitted at outdoor pools or within 2 m of playgrounds, wading pools, splash pads, and skateboard parks.

Public intoxication and supplying or serving alcohol to those under the age of 19 will remain prohibited throughout the pilot. As well, those wishing to sell or serve liquor in any park will still be required to have a permit and licence to do so.

The City said the proposed pilot is based on public health guidance, public safety, and the experiences of other Canadian cities that have run similar programs, such as Vancouver and Montreal.

Alcohol toronto parks 1 City of Toronto

In May, City Council directed staff to develop a pilot program, along with a list of suitable parks. The staff report will be considered by the Economic and Community Development Committee on July 6, and their recommendations will go before City Council at its meeting from July 19 to 21.

This marks the third consecutive summer that City Councillors will debate such a motion. Last year, a motion to allow consumption of alcohol in public parks was met with "immense pushback," and councillors ultimately voted to pass an amended motion that requested further consultation with professionals, stakeholders, and residents.

If the pilot program is approved, the 20 Toronto parks where you could legally drink alcohol are:

Eglinton Park

Earlscourt

Dufferin Grove Park

Campbell Avenue Playground and Park

Dovercourt Park

Roundhouse Park

Trinity Bellwoods Park

Christie Pits Park

Queen's Park

Sir Winston Churchill Park

Corktown Common

Greenwood Park

Riverdale Park East

Withrow Park

Monarch Park

Skymark Park

Lee Lifeson Art Park

East Toronto Athletic Field

Milliken Park

Neilson Park

Toronto

Toronto Could Allow Drinking Alcohol In 20 Parks This Summer

Toronto is considering a pilot program that would permit drinking alcohol in 20 public parks, including Trinity Bellwoods and Christie Pitts.

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Duck Island, located along the Fraser River and leased to the Richmond Night Market, was set for redevelopment by Jingon International Development Group.

The project, located at 134-226 Harwood Avenue South in Ajax, was being undertaken by LeMine Investment Group when it was placed under receivership in April 2021.

The receivership application was filed by KingSett Capital against Thind's Highline and Minoru Square projects.