Torontonians might be able to sip some alcohol in city parks this summer.
City councillors Shelley Carroll and Chris Moise issued a motion on Wednesday to implement a pilot program to temporarily allow alcohol consumption in public parks.
Currently, public drinking is not allowed in Toronto parks, but is largely unenforced. Last year, no tickets were issued by the city for public drinking.
Carroll and Moise argue major cities have been piloting various programs to allow alcohol consumption in public parks, and now is the time for Toronto to do the same.
“Following the lead of these cities and acknowledging the desire for options to drink in public parks, this Motion directs staff to undertake an opt-in pilot program this summer, in line with the best practices of other Canadian cities,” reads the motion.
The councillors are recommending that city staff consult with all councillors on their interest in hosting an opt-in public drinking pilot project in their wards.
“This pilot needs to centre a public health and harm-reduction approach, and the evaluation should enumerate the full needs of the program including access to washrooms, waste receptacles, and necessary clean-up efforts,” reads the motion.
If the motion is passed, city staff would have until May 31 to provide a recommended approach, including necessary bylaw amendments, for allowing responsible alcohol consumption in Toronto parks. The pilot program would then run from July 1 to Oct. 9, 2023.
Council is set to vote on Carroll and Moise’s motion this week.
This is not the first time the city considered allowing public drinking. Last year, Councillor Josh Matlow issued a motion to launch a pilot program but it was denied.
