Ottawa residents could be allowed to enjoy an alcoholic beverage in parks this summer

Parkgoers could be able to enjoy a cold alcoholic beverage while visiting parks in Ottawa this summer.

An update to Ottawa’s Parks and Facilities Bylaw, to be discussed at the Community Services Committee meeting on May 27, recommends allowing alcohol consumption in designated areas of parks selected by councillors, but not at beaches, sports fields and around playground equipment.

The current bylaw prohibits alcoholic beverages in a park, except at events with a park rental permit and a special occasion permit. Councillor Shawn Menard asked city staff to explore a pilot project to allow the consumption of alcohol in municipal parks.

• 9 tickets issued for open alcohol in Ottawa parks over two years

Staff are recommending allowing alcohol consumption in designated areas of parks, as determined by the ward councillor, in consultation with the general manager of Public Works. The report does provide two potential options for allowing alcohol consumption in parks:

• Option 1: Allow the councillor in each ward to work with their communities to decide on designating a park, or not, to permit personal consumption of alcohol.
• Option 2: Implement a phased approach, whereby the Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department general manager would, in consultation with the local ward councillor, select “up to one park per ward” to authorize personal consumption of alcohol from July 1 to Oct. 31.

Staff are recommending the city proceed with option one, saying the bylaw “will make it possible for individual councillors to identify parks where personal consumption of alcohol would be allowed.”

The proposed rules include:

• No alcohol consumption before 11 a.m. and after 9 p.m. or hours designated by the general manager.
• No person shall possess or consume alcohol within a five-metre radius of a playground or playground equipment, wading pools or splash pads or outdoor pools, beaches, parking lots, natural or artificial ice ranks, and at sports fields, sports courts and ball diamonds.

Both the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and Ottawa Public Health have raised health, safety and security concerns about allowing alcohol consumption in parks.

“The OPS has significant concerns about the implications of this policy, which may undermine public safety,” Chief Eric Stubbs said in a letter to the city.

“The OPS does not support the initiative to allow alcohol consumption in city parks. While we understand that municipalities in Ontario are exploring this possibility, we believe such a change presents risks to the public.”

Stubbs says residents have raised concerns about open-air drug use, and “allowing alcohol consumption in public parks could further these concerns and heighten their sense of insecurity.”

The chief says if the City of Ottawa allows alcohol consumption in parks, police would need to discuss “specific implementation measures” to mitigate the risks.

“Adequate bylaw enforcement presence and clear guidelines for managing alcohol consumption would be essential,” Stubbs writes, adding police support would “be limited.”

“While OPS is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life in our community, permitting alcohol consumption in public parks presents risks that could compromise public safety and strain our resources.”

Staff say if city council wishes to maintain the current ban on alcohol consumption in parks, a motion would be required to remove that provision within the bylaw.

The Liquor Licence Act of Ontario gives municipalities the authority to designate public places for legal alcohol consumption.