It's looking like you will be permitted to crack open a cold one at Centennial Beach in Tsawwassen this summer.
Metro Vancouver’s Parks Committee last week endorsed a staff recommendation to launch a pilot program allowing responsible drinking at six regional parks including Boundary Bay Regional Park.
The proposal, which will go to the Metro board for approval, would see alcoholic consumption permitted in select areas at the parks, with open consumption to be permitted at any time during park hours.
Signage will be installed at each of the proposed sites to inform park visitors where the designated areas are located.
When developing site selection criteria for the pilot program, several factors were considered including the areas being highly visible, non-remote locations with emergency vehicle access, as well as washroom facilities nearby.
Alcohol sales are still not permitted.
Committee member and Delta Coun. Dylan Kruger, who originally put forward the motion, told the Optimist that the population of the region will grow significantly in the next few years but many, like himself, don’t have a private backyard space to enjoy time with family and friends, and have a beverage.
“I’m raising my family in a home with no private yard space whatsoever, so we rely on access to our local and regional parks. Regional parks will play an even more significant role as cities grow, to have a family picnic and barbeque, to have a burger and a beer or glass of wine. What better place to do that than at Centennial Beach," said Kruger.
Noting public intoxication and underage drinking remain illegal, Kruger said that a similar program in Delta and other municipalities experienced no real increase in bylaw or police incidents.
Delta council last year gave the thumbs-up to a staff recommendation to expand the number of city parks that can have designated areas for public consumption of alcohol.
Now, 21 park sites allow drinking year-round.
“Allowing responsible adults to be responsible usually means bringing a beer with your family to the park and watching the kids play while you spread out the blanket and have a picnic that might include a local craft beer. It’s been really positive for the community and it’s great to see this next step at Metro parks,” added Kruger.
