Toronto should allow drinking in parks permanently, says report, but not all agree

A pilot project that allowed residents to drink alcohol in certain parks should become permanent and be expanded to ensure there is one park in every ward where residents can imbibe, Toronto city staff say.

But not all councillors and residents think booze in parks is a good thing.

A new staff report, released this week, said the pilot that ran in 27 parks from Aug. 2 to Oct. 9, 2023 was well received. The report will be considered by the city's economic and community development committee at a meeting next week.

"Overall, the alcohol in parks pilot program was implemented with a high level of satisfaction among park visitors, few issues arising and minimal operational impacts," the report said.

An online public park experience survey, which collected feedback from park users and nearby neighbours and business owners, found that 92 per cent of those who visited a park where drinking was allowed and who responded to the survey were satisfied with their visits.

"Respondents felt safe, and people who chose to drink at the park were considerate," the report said.

The report says the pilot created few problems.

"Concerns anticipated by Torontonians before the pilot, such as increased disruptive behaviour and litter, largely did not materialize at pilot parks," the report said. 

"There were few increases in 311 service requests for noise, behaviour, and garbage/recycling bins at pilot parks, no increased need for police response at the vast majority of parks."

The report said there was also no increased need for police at the majority of pilot parks and no increase in hospital emergency department visits due to alcohol compared to the previous year.

Coun. James Pasternak, who represents York Centre, said the report may say the pilot looks like a success at first glance, but it doesn't show the full picture. 

"What it doesn't measure is the underlying implications of the liberalization of access to alcohol in our parks. And that basically would be underage drinking, mental wellness, addiction, alcoholism and the problems that relate to that as well," he said. Only residents 19 and older were permitted to drink legally. 

Pasternak said he is still not a fan and doesn't agree with the suggestion that there should be a park in every ward, where people can drink. He said the vast majority of drinkers are responsible but there is a small minority that is not responsible and that is what poses a concern.

Tara Mackenzie, a resident who has lived around Trinity Bellwoods Park for 25 years, was not happy with the pilot. She said she has seen the park go from a family park into a party zone.