Legal drinking is coming to Ottawa parks this summer. Here are the details

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.

Dan Chenier, the city's general manager of recreation, cultural and facility services, said he's expecting councillors to choose about a dozen parks in total.

"We don't believe it will be citywide," he said. "It will be select wards."

Why so few?

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."

What comes next?

Chenier is planning to have a list of parks posted on the city's website before the pilot program starts, and to install signs in the parks that have been selected.

He said parks staff will keep an eye out for problems, and the department will be listening for complaints from neighbours about incidents or vandalism.

His department will draw on that information to prepare a report for councillors who will decide whether the program should continue or expand next summer.