Alcohol to be allowed in some Edmonton parks again this year

A pilot program that allows alcohol consumption in some Edmonton parks is coming back after all.

In a meeting last week, city council voted 7-4 in favour of implementing a pilot program this year that allows booze to be consumed in parks at select designated picnic sites. This year’s pilot will also seek opportunities for sites outside the river valley.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to look at how we’re using our public spaces, really ensure that they’re accessible and feel safe for everyone,” said O-day’min Councillor Anne Stevenson, who voted in favour of the pilot program and is excited to see it proceed this summer.

“I think it provides some great opportunities for folks who are living in multi-family housing to have a place where they can gather with friends and enjoy.”

This is a reversal of a decision by councillors in January that put the pilot program on hold.

The pilot project started in May 2021 and ran until last October, during which 47 picnic sites were designated for alcohol use in seven parks throughout the Edmonton river valley.

The city conducted an online survey after the pilot program wrapped up, which found 53 per cent of the 3,868 respondents rated their experience as very or somewhat positive. The survey found 2,526 people who responded to the survey — about 65 per cent — said they participated in the pilot.

1:53 Edmonton city council put alcohol in parks program on hold

Among those who were aware of pilot, 50 per cent said they would like to see the program expanded.

Fifty-four per cent of those who did the survey said the pilot program did not impact their park visitation.

A vast majority — 79 per cent — of people said they did not encounter disorderly behaviour while partaking in the pilot program.

A city report showed that between May 31 and Aug.31, 2021, peace officers conducted 396 proactive inspections of designated and non-designated picnic sites specific to the pilot program. The city said 245 warnings and zero tickets were issued in designated sites.

In a January meeting, several speakers voiced their concerns with the pilot. Several Alberta Health Services representatives who were not in favour of continuing the program also commented during the meeting.

Stevenson believes the city has an opportunity to potentially partner with the University of Alberta to do more fulsome research this year.

“Actually connecting with people who are in the park at the time to ask them how they’re feeling,” she said.

“I think one of the really exciting opportunities with continuing the pilot project is it allows us to do a comparison from parks where there is alcohol consumption permitted and parks where there isn’t — just to see if there’s any major differences in terms of how people are experiencing those different spaces.”

City administration has also been asked to compile a report outlining the implications, including best practices, of an expanded or permanent program that would allow alcohol at designated city parks. This report is due back to council on May 30.