Toronto City Council has extended the implementation of the drinking in parks pilot program until next March

The City Council of Toronto has extended the pilot program that allows people to consume alcohol in certain designated parks until March next year. On Thursday, the Toronto City Council approved a proposal put forward by Paula Fletcher, the representative for Toronto-Danforth Ward 14, to extend this pilot program from October 9, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
The proposal was approved with 17 in favor and 3 against. The council members John Burnside, Vincent Crisanti, and Stephen Holyday were opposed to the extension of the program. An updated list of participating parks and additional restrictions will be announced at the council's November meetin.
Paula Fletcher stated as part of this proposal: "Given that five of these parks are in my ward, I have closely monitored the feedback residents have provided to my office. Residents have expressed satisfaction with this pilot program because they have enjoyed the ability to have drinks with their family and friends."
After a two-month trial period that allowed alcohol consumption in 27 city parks, the city reported receiving only two complaints. During the same period, the city received 28 complaints related to alcohol consumption in parks that were not part of the pilot program.
According to the rules of this project, alcohol consumption in parks is only allowed between 5:30 AM and midnight, and alcoholic beverages must not contain more than 15% alcohol. Furthermore, individuals consuming these beverages must maintain a distance of two meters from playing fields, swimming pools, splash pads, and skateboarding areas.

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