Starting today alcohol consumption, with certain guidelines, is being allowed in 27 Toronto parks. The pilot project “based on public health guidance, public safety and operational considerations and the experiences of other Canadian cities” runs until October 9.
The pilot allowing people over 19 to consume alcohol in select parks was approved by Toronto city councillors on July 19. Municipal staff said drinking in parks has not been a major issue in the past three years and most residents drink in parks respectfully and responsibly.
There are some guidelines that must be followed in Toronto parks where alcohol consumption is legal. Drinking alcohol is not allowed within two metres of playgrounds and wading pools.
Park users must also comply with the provincial Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 which prohibits public intoxication and supplying/serving alcohol to people under 19 years old.
The list of parks approved for alcohol consumption by local councillors is below:
- Eglinton Park – Eglinton-Lawrence
- Earlscourt – Davenport
- Dufferin Grove Park – Davenport
- Campbell Avenue Playground and Park – Davenport
- Dovercourt Park – Davenport
- Roundhouse Park – Spadina-Fort York
- Trinity Bellwoods Park – Spadina-Fort York
- Christie Pits Park – University-Rosedale
- Queen’s Park (110 Wellesley St W) – University-Rosedale
- Sir Winston Churchill Park – Toronto-St. Paul’s
- Corktown Common – Toronto Centre
- Greenwood Park – Toronto-Danforth
- McCleary Park – Toronto-Danforth, 755 Lake Shore Boulevard East
- Riverdale Park East – Toronto-Danforth
- Withrow Park – Toronto-Danforth
- Monarch Park – Toronto-Danforth
- Oriole Park – St. Paul’s, 201 Oriole Parkway
- Hillcrest Park – St. Paul’s, 950 Davenport Road
- Cedarvale Park – St. Paul’s, 443 Arlington Avenue
- June Rowlands Park – St. Paul’s, 220 Davisville Avenue
- Skymark Park – Don Valley North
- Lee Lifeson Art Park – Willowdale
- East Toronto Athletic Field – Beaches-East York
- Milliken Park – Scarborough North
- Neilson Park – Scarborough-Rouge Park
- Underpass Park – 29 Lower River Street
- Morningside Park – Scarborough-Guildwood, 390 Morningside Avenue
