A Richmond city councillor wants residents to be allowed to have a drink in public parks this summer.
Coun. Kash Heed plans to bring up the issue at Tuesday’s community safety meeting, noting that alcohol consumption is already happening in Richmond parks.
Drinking alcohol is prohibited in Richmond parks, but many municipalities – like Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and New Wesminster – have loosened these rules in the past few years.
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»allowed drinking in a limited number of parks.
This year, that city’s parks board expanded this to 31 public parks and seven beaches starting on June 1.
Sixteen Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»parks will also allow alcohol consumption from July 1 to Aug. 31 on a permanent basis.
New Westminster also allows alcohol in seven parks, and Burnaby is considering a pilot as well.
In the meantime, all three North Shore municipalities allow drinking in some parks, something that also began during the pandemic.
While Heed said he thinks this issue should be dealt with at the community safety committee, he also things the parks and recreation committee and city bylaws should work together on the best approach.
The is scheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Richmond City Hall.
