Regina one step closer to allowing drinking in city parks

The City of Regina has moved closer to allowing people to drink alcohol in a limited number of city parks.

Regina’s executive committee approved city administration’s recommendations that the city allow the drinking of alcohol in 12 city parks.

  • Central Park
  • Grassick Park
  • Hopson Park
  • Horizon Station Park
  • Kiwanis Park
  • Lakewood Park
  • Les Sherman Park
  • QE Jubilee Park
  • Regent Park
  • Rotary Park
  • Stewart Russell Park and Tutor Park

Of the 12 parks, there is at least one in each of the city’s ten wards. Those parks may be subject to change, as councillors with concerns about a specific park can propose alternatives to the city manager.

The Alcohol in Parks Program would cost the city $27,000 annually. $12,000 would be allotted for communication and engagement, $5,000 would be spent on signage in the permitted parks themselves, and a further $5,000 would be needed for signs in non-permitted parks. An additional $5,000 would be required for more garbage and recycling bins.

The recommendations come after the provincial government allowed municipal governments to designate outdoor public places for alcohol consumption in May.

The recommendations will now need to be approved by the city council as its next meeting is on July 12.

If approved, the recommendations could take effect as early as July 30.

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