You can crack a cold one in nine Ottawa parks this summer, as the city’s alcohol in parks pilot project continues. Parkgoers will be able to enjoy beer, wine or spirits in select parks until Oct. 31, the City of Ottawa said Monday. “This pilot project, which was approved by City Council in spring 2025, allows the personal consumption of alcohol in designated areas of select parks between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.,” the city said on Monday in a news release. The nine parks participating are: Eight of these parks participated in the program last year. Primrose Park is new in 2026, and the available location at Lansdowne Park has changed from the Great Lawn to the Heirloom Orchard. The city says more parks might be added over the summer. “Signage at these parks will indicate that personal consumption of alcohol is permitted. The updated list of participating parks and designated areas are also available on ottawa.ca/alcoholinparks.” Rules for alcohol consumption in parks Parkgoers 19 years old and older can only drink alcohol in the designated parks between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. The City of Ottawa says alcohol consumption is not permitted within five metres of the following areas: Parkgoers must take their beverage containers home with them when they leave. “Remember, alcohol bottles and cans can be returned for deposit refunds at any Beer Store retailer,” the city says. Alcohol is not allowed within a rental area of a park where an event is taking place with a valid permit, unless the City’s General Manager of Recreation, Culture and Facilities approved it in the permit. “Parkgoers are advised to drink responsibly and be aware that personal conduct is subject to municipal by-laws, provincial laws and Canada’s Criminal Code, including the legal drinking age of 19 years and laws around public intoxication,” the city says. Last summer, Ottawa Bylaw Services received only one call for enforcement related to alcohol consumption in the eight designated parks that took part in the pilot program. Bylaw Services officers responded to 31 alcohol-related calls in 2025 at parks where alcohol was not permitted. With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Josh Pringle
