City of North Vancouver OKs booze in some parks and public spaces

City of North Vancouver council has voted 6-1 to allow alcohol consumption at some parks and public places this summer.

Mayor Linda Buchanan said she believes the municipality is the first in B.C. to pass such a bylaw. 

"This summer, city parks will be an extension of everyone's own backyard," she said. "It's about treating adults like adults."

The move is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and considered a way to support the local economy while complying with provincial health orders and the B.C. restart plan.

Eighty per cent of North Vancouver city residents live in multi-family dwellings. 

"To minimize a resurgence in infection and to recover equitably, the city must think more about how all kinds of outdoor, everyday spaces can fulfil people's daily needs," reads a report by city staff. 

North Vancouver parks that will allow alcohol consumption in designated areas are:

• Waterfront Park
• Victoria Park West
• Mahon Park
• Grand Boulevard
• Ray Perrault Park
• Kings Mill Walk Park

Public spaces that will allow alcohol consumption are:

• Parts of Lonsdale Avenue, in conjunction with a patios and street reallocation plan
• Shipbuilders Square
• Cates Deck
• 14th Street Civic Plaza

Liquor consumption will be allowed in these areas between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Signage will be going up to identify boundaries. 

There will be a 20-metre buffer zone around all playgrounds and child care facilities in the drinking zones.

READ | City of North Vancouver consumption of liquor in a public place documents