Residents will once again be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages in several city parks in 2022.
Last spring, the city launched the alcohol in parks program in response to a desire to provide residents with more outdoor spaces for socializing, particularly for people who don’t have yards of their own. A post-program review of the program found that it was supported by most residents.
“Overall, staff did not identify any major concerns related to the alcohol in parks program and did not report a large increase in workloads related to increased cleaning and garbage collection,” said a staff report. “However, staff did not recommend expanding the program to additional parks as additional staffing resources would be needed to increase cleaning and maintenance levels any further.”
The program allowed people aged 19 and up to drink alcohol in designated areas of Port Royal, Grimston, Moody, Hume, Sapperton, Queen’s and Westminster Pier parks from 11 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week.
Council approved a staff recommendation that the alcohol in parks program be continued.
Staff will review and implement improvements related to on-site signage to address any confusion about the designated zone boundaries, locations of washrooms and ways to report issues. Staff will also consider the number, type and location of receptacles for waste and recyclables, how (and where) additional seating could be accommodated in the designated zones, and ways to increase monitoring of each park site to ensure they’re safe and welcoming to all park visitors.
Mayor Jonathan Cote said the alcohol in parks program is an example of the city trying something new in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I had a few opportunities in the summertime to visit some of the parks and saw that people were very respectful and utilizing the program very effectively,” he said. “At least for the first year, it appears to have worked really well and achieved the community benefit of giving folks opportunities in some of our wonderful park spaces to be able to gather with friends and family in a safe and comfortable environment. I definitely think it is worthwhile us being able to continue it into the coming year.”
Feedback received during the city’s community engagement process shows that Queen’s Park, Westminster Pier Park and Moody Park were the most popular parks for people to drink alcohol. Eighty-one per cent of people who responded to online engagement agreed the program worked well and 82% are satisfied with the way the community is managing their consumption and behaviour in parks where alcohol is permitted.
“Continuation of the program provides residents who are gathering in parks for a picnic or special occasion with friends or family, the opportunities to enjoy a beverage outdoors safely and responsibly,” said the staff report. “Adults who choose to drink in the designated zones within the seven parks are expected to manage their consumptions, appropriately dispose of litter, and conduct themselves in a responsible manner. This has largely been the case during the spring and summer of 2021. As City of New Westminster parks are for everyone, it is important that sites remain welcoming and safe for all.”
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