The weather is warming, the parks are coming alive 鈥 and for many in Toronto, that means laying out a blanket, unpacking a picnic, and perhaps enjoying an alcoholic drink under the sun.
This summer, there are even more places where that鈥檚 allowed.
The city has added seven new parks to its Alcohol in Parks program, which permits adults to drink in designated public green spaces. That brings the total to 54 parks where you can legally enjoy a beer, cider, or glass of wine.
The program has been in the works since 2019, when the province amended the Liquor License and Control Act to let municipalities designate public spaces for alcohol consumption. 海角社区官网launched a pilot between August and October 2023, installing signage at 27 parks and monitoring for public safety concerns.
City staff had expected an increase in police calls, complaints, and emergency room visits 鈥 but none of that happened, they noted in their report recommending the Alcohol in Parks program be made permanent.
鈥淚t went very smoothly in the pilot, and it continues to go smoothly,鈥 said Councillor Paula Fletcher, who represents the Toronto-Danforth ward. 鈥淭he world did not end when we said we would put alcohol in parks.鈥
Here鈥檚 what鈥檚 new, what parks are included, and what to know if you鈥檙e planning a park drink this season.
Booze in parks has proven that easing rules can help make the city’s greenspaces more enjoyable, so why not relax regulations around food sales in
Booze in parks has proven that easing rules can help make the city’s greenspaces more enjoyable, so why not relax regulations around food sales in
Where are the new parks?
The latest additions to the program stretch across the city from Humberline Park in Etobicoke to Bond Park in North York.
The seven new parks are:
- Bond Park in North York
- Byng Park in Scarborough
- Gord and Irene Risk Park in聽Humber River-Black Creek
- G. Ross Lord Park in North York
- Humberline Park in Etobicoke
- La Rose Park in Etobicoke
- North Keelesdale Park in Etobicoke
Which parks allow drinking?
There are now 54 designated parks where alcohol is permitted, including:
- Riverdale Park East and West
- Trinity Bellwoods
- Dovercourt Park
- Etobicoke Valley Park
- Christie Pits
- Greenwood Park
For the full list of designated parks, visit the .
Or browse them on this interactive map:
What are the rules?
Alcohol is only allowed under certain conditions. Here鈥檚 what to keep in mind:
- Drinking is only permitted between 5:30 a.m. and midnight
- You must be 19 or older
- No drinking within two metres of playgrounds, pools, or skate/BMX parks
- Public intoxication and urination are still prohibited
- Be respectful of others in the park
- Use park recycling bins or take empties with you
- Do not share or serve alcohol to minors
- And of course, don鈥檛 drink and drive
The two lived on the waterfront, and the boardwalks were too crowded for them to feel safe during COVID. Instead, they decided to visit a
The two lived on the waterfront, and the boardwalks were too crowded for them to feel safe during COVID. Instead, they decided to visit a
What should I bring?聽
If you’re planning a legal park drink, you鈥檒l want to come prepared. Consider packing:
- Reusable cups
- A cooler or two
- Snacks or a full picnic
- Trash bags
- Drinks (alcoholic or not)
- Bottle opener
- Blanket
- Food containers
- Plates
- Cutlery
- Water bottles
How were parks selected?
Not all parks qualify. To be eligible, parks must:
- Be at least 1.5 hectares in size
- Have permanent or temporary washrooms and seasonal drinking water
- Not be located near schools
- Not be on the waterfront
Waterfront locations can be “party location(s) at times and it becomes very difficult for enforcement,” said Fletcher.聽
Where can鈥檛 I drink?
海角社区官网manages more than 1,500 parks, and the vast majority of them still do not allow alcohol. If a park isn鈥檛 on the official list, drinking there is still against the law.
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