Toronto releases list of parks where people can drink if pilot program is approved

The City of Toronto has released its list of 20 parks where alcohol consumption could be allowed this summer, as part of its pilot program if it’s approved. 

Last month, city council voted in support of a motion to develop a pilot program permitting personal alcohol consumption in some city parks across the city. 

READ MORE: Toronto could green-light a pilot program to allow drinking in public parks this summer

Here are the selected parks:

1. Eglinton Park, Ward 8 – Eglinton-Lawrence
2. Earlscourt, Ward 9 – Davenport
3. Dufferin Grove Park, Ward 9 – Davenport
4. Campbell Avenue Playground and Park, Ward 9 – Davenport
5. Dovercourt Park, Ward 9 – Davenport
6. Roundhouse Park, Ward 10 – Spadina-Fort York
7. Trinity Bellwoods Park, Ward 10 – Spadina-Fort York
8. Christie Pits Park, Ward 11 – University-Rosedale
9. Queen’s Park (110 Wellesley St W), Ward 11 – University-Rosedale
10. Sir Winston Churchill Park, Ward 12 – Toronto-St. Paul’s
11. Corktown Common, Ward 13 – Toronto Centre
12. Greenwood Park, Ward 14 – Toronto-Danforth
13. Riverdale Park East, Ward 14 – Toronto-Danforth
14. Withrow Park, Ward 14 – Toronto-Danforth
15. Monarch Park, Ward 14 – Toronto-Danforth
16. Skymark Park, Ward 17 – Don Valley North
17. Lee Lifeson Art Park, Ward 18 – Willowdale
18. East Toronto Athletic Field, Ward 19 – Beaches-East York
19. Milliken Park, Ward 23 – Scarborough North
20. Neilson Park – Scarborough, Ward 25 – Scarborough-Rouge Park

If the pilot program is approved, adults ages 19 and older will be allowed to consume alcohol in these parks between Aug. 2 and Oct. 9. 

The pilot program will go before council from July 19 to 21.

“I’m pleased that local councillors have opted-in a broad range of parks in 12 wards across the city to participate in this sensible pilot to allow alcohol in parks this summer and fall. My thanks to City staff who have prepared this public health-informed approach and are ready to monitor and evaluate this pilot with added attention,” Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North) said in a news release on Wednesday.

The city is reminding residents that alcohol consumption is still not permitted in parks that are not included in the pilot program.

Anyone caught with an open alcohol container in a city park could face a fine of up to $300.