Legal drinking allowed in 8th Ottawa park this summer

Three people cheers beer bottles in a park. (Getty Images)

Parkgoers can now enjoy beer, wine or a spirit in an eighth park in Ottawa, as a park in Kitchissippi ward has been added to the list of designated parks for legal alcohol consumption.

As of July 1, residents and visitors can drink alcohol in designated parks across the city. Under the alcohol in parks pilot project, councillors are allowed to select parks for alcohol consumption in consultation with city staff.

Seven parks were officially designated for alcohol consumption: Minto Park, McNabb Park, Queenswood Ridge Park, the Great Lawn at Lansdowne Park, Riverain Park, Strathcona Park and Brewer Park.

On Friday, the city’s website showed legal alcohol consumption is now allowed in Champlain Park.

• You can legally drink alcohol in 8 Ottawa parks. Here’s what you need to know

Coun. Jeff Leiper told constituents last weekend that it was his intention to ask the city to designate Champlain Park for legal alcohol consumption, but he was “late to fill out the form.” Leiper said it would be in the second round of parks announced for the pilot project.

According to the City of Ottawa, alcohol consumption is permitted in the designated parks between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Individuals consuming alcohol must:

• be 19 years of age or older
• take all empty alcoholic beverage containers home
• not drink, drive, be intoxicated in public or cause a disturbance.

The City of Ottawa says alcohol cannot be sold, supplied or served without a permit.

Under the alcohol in parks pilot project, alcohol consumption is not permitted within five-metres of the following areas:

• Playgrounds
• Wading pools and splash pads
• Beaches
• Rinks
• Playing fields and ball diamonds
• Basketball, tennis and pickleball courts
• Skateboard parks
• Parking lots

Here is the list of designated parks for legal alcohol consumption in Ottawa

• Minto Park on Lewis Street
• McNabb Park on Percy Street
• Queenswood Ridge Park on Kennedy Lane East
• Lansdowne Park - Great Lawn
• Riverain Park on North River Road
• Strathcona Park on Range Road
• Brewer Park on Brewer Way
• Champlain Park