REGINA - This week the issue of whether to allow liquor to be consumed in Regina outdoor public parks will be discussed at City Hall.
The topic is set to come up at Wednesday’s Executive Committee meeting of council, which is set to consider a report from administration on where it might be allowed.
The recommendation from administration is for council to approve the designation of 12 parks for public consumption of alcohol to be implemented effective July 30. As well, the recommendation is to authorize the Provincial Capital Commission to pass any bylaw, resolution, or order authorizing consumption of alcohol within its boundaries as the commission may see fit to adopt. A bylaw to give effect to the recommendations would also be prepared. Should these recommendations be approved at Executive Committee on Wednesday, the bylaw could be passed at the July 12 meeting.
According to administration's report which was included in the agenda for the July 5 meeting, there are 12 parks where alcohol could be allowed under the proposed bylaw: Central Park, Horizon Station Park, Les Sherman Park, Rotary Park, Grassick Park, Kiwanis Park, QE Jubilee Park, Stewart Russell Park, Hopson Park, Lakewood Park, Regent Park, and Tutor Park.
The financial impact is projected at $27,000 and would be funded within the 2023 operating budget. According to administration's report, the parks are to be visibly marked, and the plan is to put signage and additional waste and recycling receptacles up at the parks, as well as information on the city’s website. The city would set up a “Be Heard Regina” page to get feedback and answer questions about their Alcohol in Parks program.
There are guidelines the city is to follow under the recommendations being proposed. Drinking of alcohol would be permitted between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., with permitted areas having 10 metre setbacks from bodies of water, playgrounds or splash pads, residential property or fence lines, and sports fields.
The permitted parks are not be adjacent to schools, and parks with picnic sites are preferred. Plaza spaces such as the QEII plaza outside City Hall in The Pat Fiacco Plaza are not considered park space and will always require a special permit for any alcohol consumption.
Alcohol use will not be considered for Victoria Park or Confederation Park, unless under an SLGA permit. As for Wascana Centre, any decision for alcohol use there would fall under the Provincial Capital Commission.
This year, the province had passed legislation bringing in changes in the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act to allow municipalities to have authority to decide whether to allow liquor in their outdoor public parks.
