Item - 2025.EC19.4

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1. Received the report (March 24, 2025) from the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, for information.

In response to City Council direction (2024.EC11.4), this report presents a status update on the findings of the monitoring and evaluation from August 2, 2024 to October 20, 2024 in parks where alcohol is permitted for personal consumption.

The Alcohol in Parks Program continues with a high level of satisfaction among park visitors, with few issues arising, and minimal operational impacts across all parks included in the program.

Monitoring and evaluation findings of the parks allowing personal consumption of alcohol did not reveal any major concerns or issues. Findings showed that over 80 per cent of park visitors who responded to a survey were satisfied with their visit and felt safe and welcomed. The majority of park visitors said people drinking in parks were considerate, and there were no significant increases in service requests for amplified noise, disruptive behavior, or overflowing garbage/recycling bins, nor an increase in calls to Toronto Police Services, including in parks most recently included in the program. Moving forward as a permanent program, staff will address any issues that may emerge related to the program through established channels and processes.