Toronto’s pilot project to legalize drinking in city parks has been met with high satisfaction, leading to the decision to expand the initiative. The 2023 pilot allowed drinks like wine and beer in 27 city parks, with a majority of survey respondents reporting feeling safe and no increase in negative incidents. The positive results have prompted Toronto councillors to approve a policy that would allow every ward to have at least one park where drinking is allowed, aiming for a consistent approach throughout the city.
Coun. Alejandra Bravo, chair of the economic development committee, emphasized the importance of making policy decisions that apply universally across the city, rather than leaving it up to individual councillors to decide. The initial pilot operated on an opt-out basis, leading to some areas, like Etobicoke, not having any parks where alcohol consumption was allowed. The city’s parks, forestry, and recreation manager, Howie Dayton, suggested adopting a policy that is consistent across all areas of the city to ensure equitable access to outdoor drinking spaces.
The expansion of the program is expected to increase the number of parks where drinking is allowed to at least 40 this summer if the council approves the committee’s plan. Originally set for September, the expansion timeline may be moved up to July to take advantage of the upcoming summer season. The 2023 pilot cost roughly $60,000 to implement, and city staff believe that making the program permanent can be accommodated within existing resources. They also recommend certain criteria for selecting additional parks for drinking, such as a minimum park size of 1.5 hectares and proximity to schools or waterfronts.
The decision to expand outdoor drinking spaces in Toronto parks is seen as a positive step towards providing residents with more recreational opportunities and enhancing their overall park experience. The success of the pilot project, with no notable increase in negative incidents or impacts, has reinforced the idea that allowing alcohol consumption in designated areas can be done responsibly and safely. The expansion recommended by the committee will become official once the council ratifies the decision, marking a significant shift in the city’s approach to outdoor drinking policies.
Overall, the results of Toronto’s pilot project to legalize drinking in city parks have been favorable, leading to plans for a wider expansion of the initiative. By allowing alcohol consumption in designated parks, the city aims to provide more recreational opportunities for residents while ensuring safety and responsible behavior. With a policy approved by the economic development committee, every ward in Toronto will have at least one park where drinking is allowed, creating a more inclusive and consistent approach to outdoor social activities. The successful implementation of the pilot has paved the way for a permanent program that is expected to benefit residents across the city.
