Why alcohol in parks is still a pilot program

In response to public demand, the Alcohol in Parks Pilot Program originated from a 2018 motion from Park Board Commissioners to develop a pilot project to allow public consumption of alcohol in select parks. The purpose of the pilot program was to understand how the public consumed alcohol in parks, the impact on the community and the required facilities.

To allow the consumption of alcohol in parks, the provincial government needed to amend the BC Liquor Control and Licensing Act (LCLA) to allow the Park Board to pass by-laws on this topic. This amendment to the LCLA was passed in June 2021. Before this amendment, the Park Board did not have the legal authority to allow alcohol consumption in parks, in contrast with other municipal governments in the region.

The initial pilot ran from July to October 2021. Park Board undertook significant public engagement to understand how the public felt about drinking in parks and what lessons were learnt from the first pilot. Overall, the public was supportive of continuing the program, with most people having a positive experience of the program. Several improvements have been taken into account for the 2022 pilot, including clarifying the designated drinking areas and, in some parks, expanding the boundaries.

Review the recommendations PDF file (2.7 MB)

The second pilot ran from June to October, 2022. Following the end of the second pilot, we will review key findings once again and present recommendations to the Board for how to proceed with alcohol consumption in parks. These recommendations will be based on what we have learnt from the study and commissioners will decide how to proceed.

How parks were selected

To help us monitor alcohol consumption in parks, we have selected 22 parks that are spread out across the city. During the pilot study, we need to have a smaller number of parks to study to understand what conditions and facilities are needed to ensure safe and responsible consumption of alcohol.

The parks selected meet the following criteria:

• Highly visible, non-remote locations with emergency vehicle access
• Washroom facilities nearby in the park
• Features and amenities that support socializing (views, benches, picnic sites)
• Pedestrian, cycling, and public transit access nearby
• Parking for accessibility nearby
• Food and beverage services nearby
• Minimal impacts to natural areas, purpose-built, and programmable spaces
• Minimal impacts/disruptions to neighbouring residents
• Minimum 20-metre distance from playgrounds
• No bathing beaches (for aquatic safety reasons)
• No primary special event venues

Ensuring responsible and safe consumption of alcohol

We worked closely with the Vancouver Police Department and Park Rangers to identify, mitigate, and manage issues. This included:

• Scheduling daily visits to pilot sites, with multiple visits at high-demand locations
• Providing on-site signage with rules and responsibilities for park users
• Providing information on how to report issues related to safety and emergency
• Providing information on health and wellness resources

Prevention is ultimately the best approach. For this pilot to be successful, it is up to everyone to be responsible and be good neighbours to each other. 

Monitoring these pilot sites

We used a robust monitoring plan to collect data at the pilot sites for the duration of the pilot, including:

• Incident, crime, and emergency data from the Vancouver Police Department
• Public feedback from 3-1-1
• Individual and community health data from Vancouver Coastal Health
• Observational scans performed by Park Rangers

Ensuring park spaces are well maintained

Working closely with our Park Operations staff, we monitored each pilot site to ensure public amenities such as garbage cans and washroom facilities are well serviced. We also monitored for damage to the parks, including from additional wear and tear of facilities and turf.

Alcohol and substance use harm reduction resources

Access and Assessment Centre External website, opens in new tab

The Access and Assessment Centre (AAC) is here to help you, your family member or your friend during a non-life-threatening mental health or substance use issue.

• Phone: 604-675-3700
• Walk-in between 7:30am and 11pm

Portland Hotel Society and the Community Managed Alcohol Program (CMAP) External website, opens in new tab

The Community Managed Alcohol Program (CMAP) is for individuals who struggle with severe alcohol use disorder and who sometimes drink non-beverage alcohol such as mouthwash or rubbing alcohol.

• Location: 111 Princess Ave
• Phone: 604-683-0073

Women, gender diverse and non-binary, queer, and two-spirit peoples health and safety

WAVAW External website, opens in new tab

WAVAW offers trauma-informed feminist support to survivors of sexualized violence. Services are open to cis and trans women and people of all marginalized genders, including Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary people 

• 24-hour crisis line: 604-255-6344

Battered Women's Support Services (BWSS) External website, opens in new tab

A feminist voice against violence and oppression, BWSS is a strong, dynamic organization that provides support and advocacy for women who have experienced abuse, as well as community education and training about violence against women. Part of a global feminist anti-violence movement, our long-term goal is the elimination of all violence against women and girls. 

• Crisis line: 604-687-1867
• Text: 604-652-1867

QMUNITY External website, opens in new tab

QMUNITY provides personal support for queer, trans, and Two-Spirit people of all ages to live healthier, happier lives. The organization is deeply committed to the health and wellness of our LGBTQ/2S communities - with specialized staff and volunteers offering support, information, and referrals to queer, trans, and Two-Spirit people and their families.

• Phone: 604-684-5307

WISH Drop-In Centre Society External website, opens in new tab

The Drop-In Centre is a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space for all self-identified women, including trans women, who are current or former sex workers. 

• Drop-in location: 334 Alexander Street (6pm to noon)
• Phone: 604-681-9244

PACE Society External website, opens in new tab

PACE's Support Services program is the backbone of the organization and consists of one-on-one support, drop-in services, peer outreach, and weekly social groups. The program operates under a strength-based and harm-reduction philosophy. PACE understands the importance of providing non-judgmental services and building upon the strengths and experiences of sex workers.

• Phone: 604-872-7651

Indigenous-led and culturally safe harm reduction resources

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) External website, opens in new tab

The FNHA is responsible for planning, designing, managing and funding the delivery of First Nations health programs across British Columbia.

• Phone: 604-693-6500

Urban Native Youth Association External website, opens in new tab

Urban Native Youth Association is the centre of Indigenous youth excellence, supporting youth on their journeys by amplifying and celebrating their voices.

• Location: 1618 E Hastings Street (shelter open 24 hours, Drop-In Centre hours are 10am to 4pm)
• Phone: 604-254-7732

Pacific Association of First Nations Women External website, opens in new tab

PAFNW offers programs and services for First Nations women and youth.

• Phone: 604-872-1849

Homelessness

BC Housing emergency shelters External website, opens in new tab

Emergency shelters are temporary but immediate places to stay for anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness. With partners, BC Housing offers emergency shelters across British Columbia. 

• Phone: 604-433-2218, or 2-1-1

Directions Youth Services External website, opens in new tab

Directions Youth Services (a division of Family Services of Greater Vancouver) offers low-barrier programs and services to support youth under the age of 25 who are in crisis or experiencing homelessness as a result of abuse, neglect, substance use, or mental health challenges.  

• Phone: 604-633-1472

Downtown Eastside Women's Centre (DEWC) Emergency Shelter External website, opens in new tab

DEWC’s Emergency Drop-In Night Shelter provides emergency shelter for women who are homeless, hard-to-house, at risk of homelessness or at risk of violence.

• Location: 412 E Cordova Street
• Phone: 604-423-4807

• December 2018 Board motion PDF file (102 KB) (to explore feasibility of pilot study)
• June 2020 Board report PDF file (2.5 MB)
• June 2020 Board decision PDF file (56 KB) (referring staff to expand pilot to one park in every neighbourhood)
• July 2020 Board report back PDF file (3.5 MB)
• July 2020 Board report back presentation PDF file (8.5 MB)
• BC Liquor Control and Licensing Act, Section 73(2) External website, opens in new tab
• December 2021 report back presentation PDF file (2.7 MB) (to update the Board on findings from the first pilot)
• 2021 public survey report PDF file (7 MB)
• February 2022 Board motion PDF file (153 KB) (to extend the pilot into 2022)