Canada/Mode d'emploi for drinking in Ottawa parks
Green-space enthusiasts will be able to quench their thirst with a glass of alcohol in many of the federal capital's parks from July 1, under a series of amendments to City of Ottawa bylaws. However, there are a number of conditions attached to this pilot project. Here's how to get started.
How did we get here?
Until now, alcohol consumption was prohibited in all Ottawa parks without a permit.
But the provincial government amended its regulations in 2019 to allow municipalities to designate public places where alcohol consumption is permitted. Toronto jumped on this opportunity in 2023 by setting up a pilot project that was well received by the population.
It was Capital Ward Councillor Shawn Menard who first asked city staff to consider implementing such a program in the capital. Officials then set to work, presenting a report to elected officials that proposed various options.
After a few modifications, the idea received the unanimous support of Ottawa City Council.
When can you drink?
Forget the mimosas at your morning picnic. Alcohol consumption will be permitted in selected parks from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The City of Ottawa's Director of Recreation, Culture and Facilities, Dan Chénier, will have the authority to further limit the hours during which alcohol may be consumed in municipal parks.
It should also be noted that this is a pilot project lasting only four months, from July1 to October 31.
Where will you be able to drink?
That remains to be seen. Each city councillor will have the power to select the parks in his or her ward where drinking will be permitted, in consultation with the city's general manager and citizens.
There will, however, be a series of restrictions in the targeted parks. Drinking will not be permitted near beaches, playgrounds, wading pools, swimming pools, skateboard parks, parking lots, skating rinks, sports fields or toboggan runs recognized by the city.
Which parks are targeted?
City councillors already have a good idea of which parks they could choose in their ward. Rideau-Vanier city councillor Stéphanie Plante says she has already proposed Riverain and Strathcona parks.
Kitchissippi city councillor Jeff Leiper has asked his constituents to send him recommendations by e-mail. However, he says he is considering allowing alcohol consumption in Champlain and Laroche parks.
Dan Chenier, the city's director of recreation, culture and facilities services, believes councillors should choose a dozen parks in all.
We don't think it will be city-wide," he says.
Neighborhoods left out?
Some councillors are considering not choosing parks where alcohol will be permitted. That's the case for Barrhaven West councillor David Hill, who says he probably won't take part in the pilot project.
Orléans West-Innes councillor Laura Dudas intends to do the same, unless there is a strong demand from her ward's residents.
I won't be proposing park names. I'll wait and see if my constituents want me to do it on their behalf," she says.
And what about Gatineau and the NCC's parks?
For the time being, Ville de Gatineau does not allow the consumption of alcohol in its parks. The same goes for the National Capital Commission (NCC), which specifies that drinking alcohol in one of the many parks it manages is prohibited in both Quebec and Ontario.
No person shall have any beverage in his or her possession on or in the Commission's lands except in accordance with the laws of the province in which the Commission's lands are located.
The NCC does specify, however, that Gatineau Park campers may consume alcohol, but only on their campsite.
On the road to a permanent by-law?
The City of Ottawa will publish the list of parks where alcohol consumption will be permitted on its website before the start of the pilot project on July1. The municipality will also post signs in selected parks.
City employees will also be on the lookout for complaints from citizens concerning incidents or acts of vandalism that may occur in the parks selected to host this new bylaw.
The Leisure, Culture and Facilities Services department will use this information to prepare a report for city councillors. They will then have to decide whether or not to continue and expand this pilot project in 2026.
Source: ici.radio-canada.ca/
