Metro Vancouver moves closer to allowing alcohol in six parks

You could be able to drink an adult beverage at more parks across Metro Vancouver.

The regional district voted on a plan Friday, passing a recommendation to create a bylaw for the pilot project, which would allow alcohol consumption at six parks this summer.

The parks, which are managed by the district, include Centennial Beach (Boundary Bay Regional Park), Campbell Valley Regional Park, Capilano River Regional Park, Iona Beach Regional Park, Brunette Fraser Regional Greenway, and Derby Reach Regional Park.

Under the pilot, alcohol consumption will be “permitted at any time during park hours” from June 28 until Oct. 14.

This comes as municipalities across Metro Vancouver grow the number of outdoor spaces where alcohol is allowed to be consumed. Municipalities where these beverages are already allowed include city-run parks in Port Coquitlam and North Vancouver, as well as specific parks in Vancouver.

“It should be noted that alcohol sales are not proposed to be a component of this pilot program,” the pilot proposal reads.

“Alcohol is currently not available for purchase in any regional park. Park users will be required to purchase alcohol through licensed distributers to bring to the park. MV staff will target education and enforcement as necessary to encourage compliance to the Bylaw.”

The pilot project would see signage posted in the six parks with details about the pilot project. The signs will outline designated areas in the parks where alcohol consumption is allowed, as well as rules that are part of the pilot.

Metro Vancouver chair John McEwen says the new initiative represents “great progress.”

“So many people, new residents, are living in condos and don’t have the opportunity to go in their backyards,” said Metro Vancouver chair John McEwen.

“So we really need to promote this.”

Fraser Health is asking Metro Vancouver to reconsider, however, citing concerns about public drinking.

“One of the things we’re worried about is over-normalizing the consumption of alcohol,” said Dr. Emily Newhouse, the health authority’s medical health officer.

“We did put forward some suggestions of how they could reduce the harms, locating the spots away from swimming areas because we know drowning could be associated with alcohol use.”

Throughout the duration of the pilot project, Metro Vancouver staff will gather feedback from the public to allow them to complete a review.

With files from Cecilia Hua.