The City of Edmonton will allow drinking at certain picnic sites in designated parks on an ongoing basis following two pilot projects.
The decision was made at a community and public services committee meeting on Monday. A city councillor explained to 630 CHED that allowing the practice to continue will not require an additional vote from city council.
City staff presented a report to the committee on Monday about the results of a second year of the pilot project as well as public engagement that allowed drinking at select picnic sites at 18 parks across the city.
Eighty per cent of those surveyed supported the city allowing drinking in designated sites in certain parks.
Though about half of the respondents said they believed allowing drinking would lead to more disorderly behaviour, over the course of the pilot only two warnings were given to people in the pilot sites.
Ward Dene Coun. Aaron Paquette said he initially shared the concerns that many Edmontonians had about allowing drinking in parks.
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“A lot of concerns that were stated are concerns that actually never materialized over two years,” he said.
“Based on evidence and facts, I’ve changed my stance.”
Principe, councillor for Ward tastawiyiniwak, said even though instances of violence and disorder didn’t happen in the pilot sites, the fear that they might happen needs to be addressed.
“I just feel like perception is reality when it comes to safety,” Principe said.
“Now is not the right time to be implementing this program.”
Respondents who were opposed to the project were more likely to be from equity-seeking groups like women, Black people, Indigenous people and people of colour as well as newcomers, though the majority of those groups still supported the program.
Rice, who is councillor for Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi, said she didn’t support the program because the engagement didn’t show enough support from Edmontonians.
“Over half of Edmontonians have a concern of culture sensitivity,” she said.
“If we already have existing spaces for alcohol consumption, why do we need … to use our green spaces – family gathering spaces, people enjoying exercise, relaxing.”
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said for lower-income Edmontonians living in apartments without backyards, this opens up the opportunity for a “casual” drink in the park.
“People have been well behaved and they will continue to be,” he said.
“I think this is the right move so people can enjoy the outdoor parks and go have a good picnic with their friends and family.”
The vote passed 3-2, with Sohi, Paquette and Coun. Andrew Knack in favour and Principe and Rice opposed.
City staff said the number of allowed sites for drinking will most likely not be expanded as the current sites meet strict criteria and not many more sites in the city do.
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