Here are the 27 locations where you can enjoy a nice wine and dine picnic in public.
I have walked through Trinity Bellwoods dozens of times, and each and every time there are a group of friends, or a lovely couple, enjoying a nice adult beverage. Nobody has seemed to mind, and neither did I. As long as nobody is getting hurt, what’s the harm?
Well, the City of Toronto has adopted that mindset as well, and they want to know your feedback.
Easygoing individuals can enjoy alcohol worry-free at 27 different park locations across Toronto for the first time.
The City of Toronto opened their pilot program for the first time today, August 2, to designate 27 of 1,500 parks located within the urban metropolis as cool-to-day-drink zones.
This pilot focuses on reducing restrictions on responsible drinking by allowing the free flow of favourite drinks without the need for municipal bylaws to get involved.
Drinking will be permitted between the hours of 5:30AM to midnight everyday, from August 2 to October 9, 2023, while the city accepts public comments on the pilot throughout.
Individuals are still required to dispose of empties in recycling bins, and may not break other rules such as peeing in public or being disturbingly intoxicated. Additionally, drinkers must be respectful and not disturb other park users.
However, just because Toronto is becoming more relaxed, does not mean that the city has become a total party zone. Torontonians may not consume alcohol within two metres of playgrounds, wading pools, splash pads or skateboard parks, or Inside the gates of an outdoor swimming pool or deck.
Background
- July 2023: City Council endorses the pilot program to occur in 27 parks confirmed in consultations with local Councillors.
- May 2023: City Council voted in support a pilot program allowing drinking in some City parks this summer and fall and to consult with interested councillors on hosting a pilot park in their ward.
- May 2022: Council voted for City Staff to report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the second quarter of 2023 with options and necessary by-law amendments to allow drinking in City parks.
- The Province of Ontario announced amendments to the Liquor Licence and Control Act to permit municipal Councils to change bylaws to designate public places, including parks, for personal alcohol consumption as part of its 2019 Budget .
Guiding Principles for Selecting a Park
Guiding principles have been established to inform each aspect of the park selection criteria:
- Public health and safety
- Positive park experience for everyone
- Clean and well-maintained parks
- Access
- Simple rules and clear communication
Park Selection Criteria
Parks were selected based on a number of criteria in alignment with the guiding principles. Criteria includes:
- Washroom access; temporary or permanent
- Park size; larger than 1.5 hectares
- No adjoining school
- Not situated on the waterfront
- Drinking water access
- High visibility and accessible by first responders
- Public transportation access
- Minimal impact to natural and programmable areas
- Population density; proximity to multi-unit homes
All parks included in the pilot program were confirmed by the local councillor.
Municipal Code and Provincial Legislation
- Consuming alcohol in public spaces is governed by both the Provincial legislation and City of Toronto Municipal Code.
- The Ontario Liquor Licence and Control Act governs where alcohol can be sold, served and consumed. In 2019, the Liquor Licence and Control Act (by section 41(1)(d) was amended to give municipal councils the opportunity to change their bylaws to designate a public place, including parks, for personal alcohol consumption.
- The City of Toronto Municipal Code § 608-8 (Parks: Liquor) governs alcohol consumption in parks, and mirrors language used in the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019. Specifically, the bylaw prohibits possessing open liquor in a Toronto park without a permit; and providing, and consuming, selling or serving liquor in a park without a permit.
Enforcement
- Bylaw enforcement officers will visit pilot and non-pilot parks regularly. They do not have a stationary presence in City parks.
- For both pilot and non-pilot parks, bylaw enforcement officers will be taking an education-first approach to enhance awareness of City bylaws.
Waste
- Beverage container recycling bins will be installed in pilot parks.
- Waste bins in the pilot parks will be collected based on their regular service levels, which vary by park type.
- Collection in the larger high-traffic pilot parks will take place in the early mornings to ensure the safety of park users.
- The public is encouraged to report any overflowing bins to 311 to be addressed.
