Kelowna, British Columbia, is expanding the number of parks where individuals can consume alcohol. This decision, effective immediately, comes after the success of a pilot program in 2023 which saw the number of acceptable parks increase from three to eight. The goal of this expansion is to animate public spaces and provide equitable access to outdoor gathering spaces in the city. Parks such as Waterfront, Boyce-Gyro, Kinsmen Beach, Cedar Creek, Rotary Beach, Sarsons Beach, Strathcona Beach, and Sutherland Bay are now open to responsible alcohol consumption. These parks were carefully chosen based on monitoring, evaluation, and discussions with various partners throughout the city.
However, the city has excluded certain parks from this allowance, including parks with past bylaw incidents, areas near playgrounds, parks with natural areas like linear parks, and remote parks with limited transit options. Additionally, parks with low facilities such as waste containers and washrooms have been excluded. Kelowna police officers will continue to patrol public spaces and issue tickets for public intoxication and alcohol consumption in areas where it is not permitted. Signs will be posted at each park where responsible alcohol consumption is allowed to inform individuals of the new regulations.
Residents and visitors can utilize the Kelowna.ca chatbot to get answers to questions about where and when responsible alcohol consumption is permitted. The city’s beaches and parks map will also soon highlight the locations where alcohol is allowed. This initiative aims to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for individuals to enjoy outdoor spaces while also practicing responsible alcohol consumption. By expanding the number of parks where drinking is allowed, the city hopes to promote community engagement and enhance the overall experience of spending time in Kelowna’s beautiful parks and beaches.
Overall, Kelowna’s decision to increase the number of parks where alcohol consumption is permitted is part of a larger strategy to promote community engagement and provide equitable access to outdoor gathering spaces. By carefully selecting the parks where alcohol is allowed and excluding problematic areas, the city aims to create a safe and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors. The enforcement of regulations by Kelowna RCMP ensures that individuals adhere to the rules and respect public spaces. With the use of signage and online resources, individuals can easily find information about where alcohol is allowed and plan their outings accordingly.
As the summer approaches, residents and visitors in Kelowna can look forward to enjoying a drink in a wider range of parks and beaches in the city. This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to creating inclusive and vibrant public spaces that cater to the diverse needs of the community. By providing guidance and resources to inform individuals about the new regulations, Kelowna is enabling responsible alcohol consumption while promoting community well-being. Through ongoing monitoring and evaluation, the city can assess the success of this expansion and make adjustments as needed to ensure a positive experience for all who visit Kelowna’s parks and beaches.
