Council votes down bylaw to allow alcohol consumption in Regina parks
CTV
Regina city councillors voted down an administration proposed bylaw to allow public consumption of alcohol in some parks Wednesday evening.
Regina city councillors voted down an administration proposed bylaw to allow public consumption of alcohol in some parks Wednesday evening.
“There were many issues raised that we don’t have solutions for,” said Ward 8 coun. Shanon Zachidniak. “We don’t have adequate information about what are the risks.”
More than 30 delegates appeared before council or provided written submissions. The majority voiced their concerns and opposition to the bylaw.
Krista Stevens’ yard backs Stewart Russell Park, one of the proposed 12 parks that would have allowed public consumption of alcohol.
“Most of the population does use alcohol responsibly but some do not,” she told councillors. “The public consumption of alcohol has the potential for several negative impacts.”
Delegates brought forward concerns about a rise in littering, public intoxication events, drinking and driving, as well as large parties that could occur in city parks.
“If we have people consuming large quantities of liquid in a public area, that liquid is going to have to come out at some point,” said Whitmore Park neighbourhood resident Jim Engel.