Alcohol in Parks Pilot launched for summer
We're really pleased to create designated areas across the city's parks for people to drink alcohol responsibly and maintain connections with friends and family this summer.
Park Board Vice Chair Dave Demers
This summer, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation has given the green light to enjoying a drink with friends or family in select parks across the city, with the new Alcohol in Parks Pilot.
Parks where drinking is allowed
From July 12 to October 11 this year, drinking alcohol will be permitted between the hours of 11 am and 9 pm, within designated sites at the following 22 Vancouver parks:
- Collingwood Park
- David Lam Park
- Fraser River Park
- Granville Park
- Harbour Green Park
- John Hendry (Trout Lake) Park
- Kitsilano Beach Park / Hadden Park
- Langara Park
- Locarno Beach Park
- Maple Grove Park
- Memorial South Park
- Memorial West Park
- New Brighton Park
- Pandora Park
- Queen Elizabeth Park
- Quilchena Park
- Riverfront Park
- Robson Park
- Rupert Park
- Stanley Park
- Vanier Park
- Volunteer Park
How each park was selected
Each site was selected based on the following set of criteria:
- Equitable city-wide access
- Proximity to public washrooms and waste disposal facilities
- To eliminate overlap with essential park spaces such as:
- Playgrounds
- Sports fields
- Beaches
- Ecologically sensitive areas
- Community gardens
Until the pilot ends, alcohol can only be legally consumed in these parks, within the permitted sites and times, as indicated on on-site signage.
Monitoring the pilot
The pilot also marks a valuable opportunity for staff to test and monitor the impacts of permitting alcohol consumption in parks, seek feedback from users, and provide continued support to local businesses and communities, following lengthy COVID-19 restrictions.
While the pilot is in effect, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation will work with Park Rangers, Park Operations teams, local police, and the regional health authority to ensure each site is safe, properly managed, and well-maintained.
Quotes
Park Board Vice Chair Dave Demers
“Many of Vancouver's residents rely on public outdoor spaces to socialize because they don’t have access to a yard or balcony. Though restrictions are easing, we know the pandemic will continue to affect peoples’ ability to relax and connect with others for some time. With this in mind, we're really pleased to create designated areas across the city's parks for people to drink alcohol responsibly and maintain connections with friends and family this summer,” said Park Board Vice Chair Dave Demers.