Alcohol in Vancouver parks again allowed with second pilot project
Posted May 16, 2022 11:05 pm.
Last Updated May 17, 2022 10:14 am.
Adults will once again be able to — legally — crack a cold one at 22 Vancouver parks this summer.
The Park Board approved a plan for a pilot project during their meeting Monday night.
This is the second summer in a row Vancouver is piloting alcohol consumption at several of its greenspaces. However, this year many of the designated drinking areas will be larger than in 2021.
A Vancouver city worker holds up a sign outlining rules for its alcohol in parks pilot project. The Park Board has approved a second pilot for the summer of 2022. (CityNews)
The board passed a motion in February to implement another pilot this summer, though details were still up in the air. The board had directed staff to come back with recommendations on next steps.
The pilot is set to begin June 3 and last until Oct. 16. Similar to last year, alcohol consumption will be allowed from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the designated sites. Signage will be up with rules and responsibilities outlined.
The 22 parks where alcohol consumption will be allowed at are Collingwood, Memorial West, David Lam, New Brighton, Fraser River, Pandora, Granville, Queen Elizabeth, Harbour Green, Quilchena, John Hendry (Trout Lake), Riverfront, Kitsilano Beach, Robson, Langara, Rupert, Locarno Beach, Stanley (southwest corner), Maple Grove, Vanier, Memorial South, and Volunteer.
Vancouverites will be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with family and friends in 22 of our city’s parks, as Park Board approves the Alcohol in Parks program for summer 2022, with expanded and simplified areas for drinking. https://t.co/Aei5gOk4DI pic.twitter.com/598uD7Kehh
— Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (@ParkBoard) May 17, 2022
While boundaries for alcohol-allowed areas are bigger this year, booze is not allowed to be consumed within 20 metres of a playground, school, or natural area. You also cannot drink alcohol within five metres of a pool or water park, or on or within a beach, pond, lake, or dock, as well as some other areas.
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Vancouver has long been criticized for its rules and slow action around alcohol in parks.
While people have been drinking alcohol at Vancouver parks and beaches regardless of whether it’s legal or not, the push to legalize was emphasized by the COVID-19 pandemic, with options to go out limited at the beginning of the health crisis.
