Across the country, major cities are piloting various programs to allow alcohol consumption in public parks. In Toronto, alcohol in parks is illegal but largely unenforced: No tickets were issued in 2022. Following the lead of these cities and acknowledging the desire for options to drink in public parks, this Motion directs staff to undertake an opt-in pilot program this summer, in line with the best practices of other Canadian cities. Throughout implementation, City staff shall engage with City Councillors, local neighbourhoods, and equity-deserving communities across the city as they evaluate the pilot's suitability for the Toronto context. This pilot needs to centre a public health and harm-reduction approach, and the evaluation should enumerate the full needs of the program including access to washrooms, waste receptacles, and necessary clean-up efforts. Reason for urgency: staff need direction now in order to implement bylaw changes this summer.
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