Program prohibits drinking near playgrounds and in park buildings

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“I think there is no urgency to this; I think we should go slow”

But Coun. Pietro Calendino disagreed

“We hear ofVancouver being a boring city, and Burnaby is associated to Vancouver, next door to it,” Calendino said.

He added, “There are several communities that have implemented the responsible drinking in parks,… and I haven’t heard any negative things about those other communities.”

Calendino noted he originally raised the idea for the program in 2021.

Deputy parks director Carmen Gonzalez told council other municipalities with similar programs found busier parks already have safety considerations like more lighting, noting the more people in an area, they more responsible people are likely to be.

She said staff met with representatives from Fraser Health and addressed some of the health authority’s concerns

The pilot program lays out some restrictions, including where people can’t drink, including within 10 metres of a playground, pool, skate bowl, parking lot or sport court; any artificial turf surface or any trail, pathway, natural parkland or forested areas; or within 10 metres of a playing field while in use.

Drinking won’t be allowed in indoor buildings within the parks

If violations arise, staff recommend a penalty of $200 and a discounted amount of $160 if paid within 15 days.

Gonzalez said staff will report to the parks, recreation and culture commission in July to discuss how to evaluate the program and what its measures of success will be