Toronto city staff are recommending alcohol drinking in some public parks to be made permanent following a positive response to its pilot project last summer.
On Thursday, the department of Parks, Forestry and Recreation released its findings on the Alcohol in Parks Pilot Program that was implemented from Aug. 2, to Oct. 9, 2023.
The pilot program allowed residents over the age of 19 to drink alcoholic beverages in 27 parks across the city.
READ MORE: No bylaw charges laid in drinking in Toronto parks pilot project
According to the findings, the program was met with “a high level of satisfaction among park visitors, few issues arising, and minimal operational impacts.”
The report found that 92 per cent of people who visited a pilot park and responded to the experience survey said that they were satisfied with their visit and 88 per cent of park visitors said people drinking in parks were considerate.
Additionally, there were minimal increases in 311 service requests for noise, behaviour or garbage/recycling bins at the parks but staff say not all of these factors are attributable to the pilot as other activities are taking place within the parks as well.
There was also no increased need for police response at the majority of the pilot parks and no increase in hospital emergency department visits due to alcohol in comparison to 2022.
“The results indicate that 46 per cent of respondents were supportive of allowing drinking in parks, 23 per cent were neutral and 30 per cent were opposed,” staff said in the report.
READ MORE: Torontonians react to massive signs about the city’s alcohol in parks pilot project
As a result, staff are now recommending city council to transition all pilot parks to permanent locations and asking staff to work with local councillors to expand the number of parks where alcohol drinking is permitted.
Staff suggest approving alcohol consumption at one park in every ward that meets council-approved public health and safety criteria.
The Economic and Community Development Committee will review the report next Thursday before going to council in April.
