County of Calgary. Gian-Carlo Cara says the idea to legalize alcohol consumption in some of the city’s parks came directly from locals.
Numerous “unsolicited” responses to a survey of public parks called on the city to loosen alcohol rules and prompted the council to investigate the idea, he told Cross Country Checkup.
Last summer, a pilot project was launched that legally consumed wine, beer and spirits at 58 designated picnic spots in Calgary. It proved successful, with more than 1,500 table reservations, according to the city.
“There’s an idea that maybe if we don’t cram these things into the dark corners and call them vices and really enjoy them in moderation and integrate them into a healthy society, we’ll be in better shape together,” said Kara, who represents Calgary’s Ward 9.
Calls for a relaxation of the rules on alcohol consumption in public places have increased in recent years, driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced outdoor gatherings.
Calgary expanded its pilot program in May, and other cities are reflecting on the approach. This spring, Vancouver and Edmonton expanded on similar programs that began last year.
All three cities limit alcohol consumption to 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. In Vancouver, public beaches and park amenities such as playgrounds and swimming pools are among the places that are prohibited for those with alcohol.
The city of Calgary expanded its park alcohol program last month. Visitors will be allowed to drink alcohol at designated picnic areas, such as the one pictured, in city parks. (Mike Simington)
However, critics of the idea say it could lead to inappropriate – and potentially dangerous – behavior, such as alcohol-related violence and vandalism.
Toronto City Council voted last month to ban alcohol consumption in parks, urging officials to further investigate and report in 2023.
“I’ve heard a lot of people complain about things that are happening in our city parks that are disgusting and a problem for the community, and some of those things are fueled by illegal drinking,” said Stephen Holiday, Toronto Ward 3 counselor. . in an interview with Checkup.
“The way I think it is, it seems to be a solution that seeks a problem.”
Equity for those without open space
Proponents say that allowing alcohol in public parks is a matter of justice, especially in Canada’s urban centers, where many residents live in small apartments with little, if any, space to communicate.
“The question is really whether the city is presented as a place where the vast majority of people have spacious backyards … or whether we realize that in places like Toronto many people live in small apartments and may not even have a balcony, so they may forced them to communicate in parks, “said Mariana Valverde, a professor of criminology at the University of Toronto.
But Holiday says changing park laws will open the door to “something that could create problematic behavior,” such as excessive partying or embarrassing other park users, and that legitimizing alcohol could make it harder for law enforcement officials. bylaw to restrict this conduct.
People watched the late sun from Riverdale Park East in Toronto in October 2021. Toronto City Councilors voted last month against allowing alcohol consumption in parks, urging officials to investigate further. (Evan Buhler / Canadian Press)
In Toronto, people caught drinking in parks can now be fined.
Existing laws already cover crimes such as vandalism and violence, said Dan Malek, a professor of health sciences at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., And an expert on drug and alcohol regulation and prohibition.
“There has to be a small leap of faith and an acknowledgment that most people will be reasonable – and also an acknowledgment that if things go wrong, it won’t be catastrophic,” he said.
Holiday admits that people are already drinking in the parks, despite bylaws, and that few tickets are issued for those who behave responsibly.
Choosing tickets means that some people benefit from a lack of law enforcement, while others, such as those experiencing homelessness, are disproportionately disadvantaged, Valverde warned.
“If I went to the park with my family and we shared a bottle of wine with our picnic, I very much doubt that the law enforcement officers would pursue me.
Critics say opening the door to drinking alcohol in parks could exacerbate alcohol abuse, as well as alcohol-related violence and vandalism. (Ben Nelms / CBC)
Non-alcoholic places are needed
Tim Naimi, director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Research at the University of Victoria, warned that greater freedom in alcohol consumption could exacerbate alcohol abuse.
Although he advocated “keeping things as they are,” Naimi said he believed more regulations were needed on access to and consumption of alcohol.
“There are very good reasons for public health and safety, which is why such laws and regulations exist, and their repeal must also be done with equal care,” he said.
Naimi said it was important for the public to have access to non-alcoholic places, even for those who like to drink.
Malek, who strongly supports loosening the rules for drinking alcohol in parks, agreed that there should be options and said that drinking could be limited to certain places and parks.
Creating a universal rule is inherently “undemocratic” in the name of protecting a minority who would be negatively affected by alcohol or react in a problematic way, he said.
“What will happen is that you will have a lot of resentful people doing things that are not necessarily in someone’s best interest, such as drinking in a public place and flaunting other rules.”
Written by Jason Vermes, with files by Steve Howard and Abby Plein Air.
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