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

Alcohol could be allowed in some Ottawa parks this summer

Parkgoers can now enjoy a beer, wine or spirit at eight parks across the City of Ottawa.

The City of Ottawa has launched an alcohol in parks pilot project, allowing alcohol consumption in designated areas of parks. Councillors are allowed to select parks for alcohol consumption.

Here is a look at what you need to know about legal drinking in Ottawa’s parks.

Designated parks

Alcohol consumption is permitted in the following parks:

• 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

Rules

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.

Restrictions

While alcohol consumption is permitted in eight Ottawa parks, there are restrictions on where you can drink in parks.

The City of Ottawa says 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

Federal parks

Parkgoers cannot legally drink in federal parks in Ottawa, including on Parliament Hill, at Major’s Hill Park, Kìwekì Point and along the Rideau Canal.

The National Capital Commission told CTV News Ottawa the rules for alcohol consumption in NCC managed parks and lands are in accordance with Ontario rules.

“In Québec and in Ontario, alcohol consumption on NCC managed lands is subject to section 36 of the National Capital Commission Traffic and Property Regulations: ‘No person shall have liquor in his possession on or in the property of the Commission other than in accordance with the laws of the province in which the Commission property is situated,’” the NCC said in a statement in June.

The NCC says bistros and patios in several parks sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on-site: Confederation Park, Remic Rapids Park, Patterson Creek Park, Hog’s Back Park, as well as the taverns in Major’s Hill Park and Bate Island Park.