More parks added to alcohol use areas

The City of Kelowna’s program to allow alcohol use in certain city parks is underway for another season with more parks included.

The program, which began on May 15, has grown from three parks last year, to eight in 2024: Waterfront (including Tugboat Bay), Boyce-Gyro, Kinsmen Beach, Cedar Creek, Rotary Beach, Sarsons Beach, Strathcona Beach and Sutherland Bay.

“To help animate public spaces and expand equitable access to outdoor gathering within Kelowna, residents and visitors can responsibly enjoy an alcoholic beverage in one of our beautiful city parks,” Melanie Steppuhn, Parks and Landscape Planner, said.

“After a comprehensive review of the success of the 2023 pilot, parks chosen as part of the expansion were based on rigorous monitoring and evaluation, as well as discussions with many partners around the city.”

The 2024 program will end on Sept. 15.

Alcohol consumption is only permitted from noon until 9 p.m. daily, and it’s not allowed near playgrounds and other areas with high concentrations of children.

The city has specific criteria when deciding which parks should be excluded. This includes parks with a history of bylaw incidents, areas in parks within 15 metres of playgrounds, parks with natural areas (such as linear parks) and remote parks with few transit options. 

Any parks that are typically low on facilities like waste containers and washrooms were also not included.

The city said RCMP will continue to patrol public spaces in the city and issue tickets for public intoxication and alcohol consumption in areas or at times not permitted. Signage will be posted at each park where responsible alcohol consumption is permitted.

To learn more about the program, including which beaches and parks are now a part of the expansion, visit kelowna.ca/parks-recreation/parks-beaches/ alcohol-public-spaces.