Few complaints about alcohol in 8 designated Ottawa parks this summer: city

Alcohol could be allowed in some Ottawa parks this summer

The City of Ottawa’s pilot project that allowed parkgoers to enjoy beer and wine in eight municipal parks over the summer only generated one complaint.

The four-month pilot project ran from July 1 to Oct. 31, allowing people to drink alcohol in designated areas of eight parks: Minto Park on Lewis Street, McNabb Park on Percy Street, Queenswood Ridge Park on Kennedy Lane East, the Great Lawn at Lansdowne, Riverrain Park, Strathcona Park, Brewer Park and Champlain Park.

Bylaw and Regulatory Services (BLRS) tells CTV News Ottawa only one complaint was received for alcohol in a park that was part of the pilot project. No charges were laid.

“BLRS would like to remind residents that the Alcohol in Parks pilot project has ended, and alcohol consumption is no longer permitted in any City of Ottawa parks,” Roger Chapman, Bylaw and Regulatory Services director, said in an email.

Bylaw officers received 31 complaints about alcohol in other parks across the city that were not involved in the pilot project, with one ticket issued for illegal alcohol consumption.

“In 2024, BLRS received 54 alcohol-in-parks-related complaints and issued 12 tickets for alcohol-related offences in parks across the city,” Chapman said.

Council approved the alcohol in parks pilot project in eight parks over the summer. The rules included alcohol consumption only permitted between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. and individuals must be 19 years of age or older. Alcohol consumption was not permitted within five metres of playgrounds, wading pools and splash pads, beaches, rinks, playing fields and ball diamonds, basketball courts, pickleball and tennis courts and parking lots.

The City of Ottawa is now seeking feedback on the pilot project. Anyone who has thoughts on the consumption of alcohol in parks is asked to contact [e-mail].

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Ted Raymond