City of North Vancouver OKs booze in some parks and public spaces
CBC News | Posted: June 2, 2020 6:56 PM | Last Updated: June 2, 2020
Mayor says the move will make parks an extension of people's backyards
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