OttawaOttawa’s updating its bylaws to allow alcohol consumption in city parks, but the pilot program comes with conditions and some councillors might opt out.Bylaw changed to allow alcohol consumption in some parks, but some councillors might keep their wards dryPeople drink alcohol at a public beach in Vancouver on July 28, 2020. (Ben Nelms/CBC)Ottawa city council has passed bylaw changes that will allow alcohol consumption in parks this summer.But it isn’t a free pass to drink anywhere and everywhere, all the time. The shift is only a pilot program, and it comes with conditions. Here’s a rundown.How did we get here?Up to now, alcohol consumption has been banned in all city parks without a permit.But the provincial government changed regulations in 2019 to allow municipalities to designate public places where drinking is allowed. Toronto did so starting in 2023, through a pilot program that showed few problems and got generally positive reviews. Capital ward Coun. Shawn Menard asked city staff to consider implementing a similar pilot program in Ottawa, and earlier this year they came back with a report laying out the options.After a few tweaks at committee, the idea got unanimous support at council on Wednesday. When can I drink?Forget early morning mimosas at your picnic breakfast. The window on park drinking opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. The general manager of recreation, cultural and facility services can further limit those hours.And the pilot only runs for four months, from July 1 through Oct. 31.Where can I drink?That remains to be seen. Each city councillor will have the power to select parks in their wards, in consultation with the general manager and their residents.But there are certain restrictions that apply across the board. According to the text of the bylaw, drinking will not be allowed near beaches, playgrounds, splash pads, pools, skateboard parks, parking lots, ice rinks, sports fields or sanctioned sledding hills.Which parks are the candidates?City councillors have been floating a few ideas for parks they might choose in each ward. Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stéphanie Plante said she’s already suggested Riverain and Strathcona parks to city staff.Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper asked his constituents to email him with recommendations, but said he’s initially thinking of Champlain Park and Laroche Park.The Rideau River divides Ottawa’s Strathcona Park, left, and Riverain Park, right, in this drone image taken in October 2023. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)Some councillors are considering declining to select any parks. Barrhaven West Coun. David Hill said he hasn’t committed yet, but is probably not going to participate in the pilot.Orléans West-Innes Coun. Laura Dudas has a similar approach, barring an outpouring of demand from her constituents. “For myself and for my community I will not be proposing any particular park names,” she said. “I will wait to see if my residents would like me to do so on their behalf.”ABOUT THE AUTHORArthur White-Crummey is a reporter at CBC Ottawa. He has previously worked as a reporter in Saskatchewan covering the courts, city hall and the provincial legislature. You can reach him at arthur.white-crummey@cbc.ca.
Legal drinking is coming to Ottawa parks this summer. Here are the details
