Toronto pilot allowing alcohol drinking in select parks could become permanent [Video]

Toronto city staff are recommending that a pilot allowing alcohol consumption in select public parks be made permanent.

In a report released Thursday, Parks, Forestry and Recreation staff said the program “was implemented with a high level of satisfaction among park visitors, few issues arising, and minimal operational impacts.”

The pilot program approved by city council last summer allowed people aged 19 and older to drink alcoholic beverages at 27 public parks from Aug. 2 to Oct. 9.

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Staff said 92 per cent of those who visited a pilot park and were surveyed said they were satisfied during their visit, 90 per cent felt safe, and 88 per cent said people who chose to drink at the park were considerate.

In addition, there were minimal increases in 311 service requests for noise, behaviour or garbage bins at the participating parks, staff …