Toronto could allow drinking in 20 parks this summer & here’s where

We’ve got an update on the City of Toronto pilot program that will allow drinking in select parks this summer.

In a news release, the city shared that its Economic and Community Development Committee will consider a pilot program on July 6, “to allow residents and visitors to drink alcohol in 20 parks.”

The pilot, originally proposed by Councillors Shelley Carroll and Chris Moise, will give locals permission to consume alcohol in some Toronto parks for three months starting in August 2 to October 9.

Back in May, city staff were asked to create a pilot program and work with interested councilors in hosting a pilot in their ward. They will then report back in July “with a recommended approach, including required bylaw amendments.”

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Here’s a look at what parks will be participating in the pilot if approved:

• 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

The City says that locals will still be required to abide by certain rules during the pilot.

“A permit and licence are still required to sell or serve liquor in any park,” said the city in its news release.

“Park users must comply with the provincial Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 which prohibits public intoxication and supplying/serving alcohol to people under 19 years old. Alcohol consumption is not permitted in non-pilot parks.”

So, it looks like we still have a while to wait for a definitive answer, but it seems highly likely that drinking in Toronto parks may be allowed this summer!