Toronto Launches Pilot Program Allowing Alcohol Consumption in Select City Parks

Starting next month, Torontonians will have the opportunity to enjoy alcoholic beverages in select city parks as part of a new pilot program. City council approved the initiative on Wednesday, allowing personal consumption of alcohol in 27 public parks from August 2 to October 9.

Mayor Olivia Chow and 20 councillors voted in favor of the program, which primarily focuses on downtown Toronto parks, with a few located in North York and Scarborough. Notably, no parks in Etobicoke will be participating. Initially, 22 parks were included in the program, but during the council meeting, five additional parks were added: one in Toronto-Danforth and four in Toronto-St. Paul’s.

As part of the approval, city staff will design a “no alcohol” sign that can be made available to parks upon request from a councillor. The pilot program’s evaluation will be presented in a report during the first quarter of 2024.

Here is a list of the parks participating in the pilot program:

1. Eglinton Park – Ward 8, Eglinton-Lawrence
2. Earlscourt – Ward 9, Davenport
3. Dufferin Grove Park – Ward 9, Davenport
4. Campbell Avenue Playground and Park – Ward 9, Davenport
5. Dovercourt Park – Ward 9, Davenport
6. Roundhouse Park – Ward 10, Spadina-Fort York
7. Trinity Bellwoods Park – Ward 10, Spadina-Fort York
8. Christie Pits Park – Ward 11, University-Rosedale
9. Queen’s Park (110 Wellesley St W) – Ward 11, University-Rosedale
10. Sir Winston Churchill Park – Ward 12, Toronto-St. Paul’s
11. Oriole Park – Ward 12, Toronto-St. Paul’s
12. Hillcrest Park – Ward 12, Toronto-St. Paul’s
13. Cedarvale Park – Ward 12, Toronto-St. Paul’s
14. June Rowlands Park – Ward 12, Toronto-St. Paul’s
15. Corktown Common – Ward 13, Toronto Centre
16. Greenwood Park – Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth
17. Riverdale Park East – Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth
18. Withrow Park – Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth
19. Monarch Park – Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth
20. McCleary Park – Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth
21. Skymark Park – Ward 17, Don Valley North
22. Lee Lifeson Art Park – Ward 18, Willowdale
23. East Toronto Athletic Field – Ward 19, Beaches-East York
24. Milliken Park – Ward 23, Scarborough North
25. Neilson Park – Scarborough – Ward 25, Scarborough-Rouge Park
26. Underpass Park – Ward 13, Toronto Centre
27. Morningside Park – Ward 24, Scarborough-Guildwood

With this pilot program, Torontonians will have the opportunity to responsibly enjoy their beverages in designated areas while experiencing the city’s beautiful parks during the specified period.