Adults will be able to drink responsibly in 10 Port Coquitlam parks this year, based on the success of last year’s pilot project.

Last year, Port Coquitlam was among the first cities in Metro Vancouver to allow responsible drinking in seven parks - by adults on a trial basis, as a way of encouraging people to spend more time outdoors:

  • Castle Park
  • Settlers Park
  • Gates Park
  • Lions Park
  • Aggie Park
  • Evergreen Park
  • Cedar Drive Park

Following strong approval from the public survey, the City’s Committee of Council agreed to permanently permit drinking in the initial seven parks and to conduct a pilot program this year until Oct 31, 2021 on the following parks:

  • Peace Park
  • McLean Park
  • Dominion Park

Amendments to the City`s Bylaw will be brought forward to Council in early March 2021.

Results from Survey

During the online survey conducted during the pilot, about 86 per cent of the 573 survey respondents had a “good” experience during the pilot and wanted it to continue. Almost 90 per cent of those surveyed were Port Coquitlam residents and almost two-thirds were age 40 or up. Positive feedback about the program included that it fostered a sense of community, allowed people to gather, play games in a socially distanced safe way and reduced feelings of isolation – with requests to expand the program to other parks. Among those with concerns about the program, general comments were about parks not being an appropriate place for drinking, and the potential for litter, noise, excessive drinking and inappropriate behaviour.


Feedback

As with last year’s pilot project, signs will be posted this year at the three trial sites – Peace, McLean and Dominion Parks – and feedback will be collected until Oct. 31. Staff will then report back to Council with a recommendation on how to proceed.

Survey