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The City is conducting a new, more comprehensive survey regarding alcohol consumption in parks from July 20 - August 19.
Beginning May 1, 2022, responsible alcohol consumption will be permitted at 124 picnic sites across 18 parks as part of an expanded pilot project that will run until October 10, 2022. This is the second year a pilot program has permitted alcohol consumption at designated picnic sites. For 2022, the pilot project will also include some parks outside of the river valley.
Adults may consume alcohol safely and responsibly from 11am to 9pm daily at designated picnic sites. Park sites include both bookable and “first-come, first-served” sites.
As per the Government of Alberta’s regulations, the pilot is limited only to designated picnic sites. To be clear, those consuming alcohol are not permitted to walk around the park with their alcoholic drinks. You will know you are in a designated site if a sign is present. Alcohol consumption is still not permitted at parks and picnic sites that are not part of the pilot project.
Our city’s parks and river valley are extremely valuable to each and every Edmontonian. Please respect the peace of others around you, drink responsibly and ensure you leave the site in good condition. Please follow all regulations set out in the Province’s Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act and the City of Edmonton’s bylaws (Parkland Bylaw 2202, Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw 13145 and Public Places Bylaw 14614).
This year, signs will be installed directly onto picnic tables at designated “first-come, first-served” picnic sites that are part of the pilot program.
At bookable picnic sites that are part of the pilot program, signage will be on posts, similar to last year.
|
Whitemud Park |
Designated for Consumption: 5 Bookable: 1 Non-bookable: 4 |
|
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park |
Designated for Consumption: 14 Bookable: 4 Non-bookable: 10 |
|
William Hawrelak Park |
Designated for Consumption: 8 Bookable: 1 Non-bookable: 7 |
|
Government House Park |
Designated for Consumption: 25 Bookable: 1 Non-bookable: 24 |
|
Victoria Park |
Designated for Consumption: 4 Bookable: 3 Non-bookable: 1 |
|
Gold Bar Park |
Designated for Consumption: 4 Bookable: 1 Non-bookable: 3 |
|
Rundle Park |
Designated for Consumption: 14 Bookable: 3 Non-bookable: 11 |
| Capilano Park |
Designated for Consumption: 5 |
| Hermitage Park | Designated for Consumption: 14 Bookable: 1 Non-bookable: 13 |
| Coronation Park | Designated for Consumption: 2 Bookable: 2 Non-bookable: 0 |
| Paul Kane Park | Designated for Consumption: 2 Bookable: 0 Non-bookable: 2 |
| Constable Ezio Faraone Park | Designated for Consumption: 4 Bookable: 0 Non-bookable: 4 |
| Emily Murphy Park | Designated for Consumption: 9 Bookable: 1 Non-bookable: 8 |
| Jackie Parker Park | Designated for Consumption: 3 Bookable: 0 Non-bookable: 3 |
| Mill Woods Park | Designated for Consumption: 2 Bookable: 0 Non-bookable: 2 |
| Queen Elizabeth Park | Designated for Consumption: 4 Bookable: 0 Non-bookable: 4 |
| Callingwood Park | Designated for Consumption: 3 Bookable: 0 Non-bookable: 3 |
| Castle Downs Park | Designated for Consumption: 2 Bookable: 0 Non-bookable: 2 |
Reservations for a picnic site can be completed through the online reservation system on edmonton.ca/picnics. When picnic site bookings are open, requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
No, there will not be additional charges for a picnic where alcohol is consumed.
Sites are first-come, first-served. 105 non-bookable sites have been identified for alcohol consumption in 18 parks. See the map for more information on which parks and sites are part of the pilot.
There is a wide range in the capacity of each site. The largest sites are the bookable ones, which may have capacities up to 100 people. The non-bookable sites are smaller and may have 1-3 picnic tables.
In alignment with the regulations outlined in the Province’s Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, only picnic sites are eligible for alcohol consumption. Exceptions to this are only when special permits have been granted from the Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC).
Picnic sites that permit alcohol consumption meet our guiding principles around safety, accessibility, visitor experience, honouring existing park users and inclusivity. In alignment with the direction of City Council, the pilot was expanded outside the River Valley to include select district parks in other areas of the City.
For violations to City of Edmonton bylaws ( , Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw 13145 and Public Places Bylaw 14614) and the Province’s Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act please call 311. For criminal matters, please contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 (non-emergency complaint line) or if an emergency, call 911.
City of Edmonton Peace Officers monitor parks as part of their day-to-day duties, increasing awareness and promoting acceptable behaviour while using designated sites in accordance with the City bylaws. Any criminal matters or issues pertaining to alcohol-related conduct and behaviours should be referred to the Edmonton Police Service.
Planning of public engagement to hear from diverse voices is underway. The main purpose of the public engagement is to understand impacts of the pilot program on different types of park users. Results from the public engagement will be used to inform future program directions, as well as develop strategies and tactics to make the parks a better place for everyone to enjoy.
The City is conducting a new, more comprehensive survey regarding alcohol consumption in parks from July 20 - August 19.
Planning for public engagement to hear from diverse voices is underway. The main purpose of the public engagement is to understand impacts of the pilot program on different park users. Results from the public engagement will be presented to City Council in early 2023 and will be used to inform future program directions.
