Wednesday the City of Regina’s Executive Committee will debate whether to allow alcohol in 12 city parks. The City of Regina estimates projected costs for the Alcohol in Parks Program in 2023 to be $27,000.

City Administration’s break down of the pros and cons suggest that allowing parks where alcohol would be permitted, according to the new provincial legislation, which was implemented, it may contribute to “fostering a vibrant community by accommodating diverse social preferences for those who socialize in public spaces.”

However, Administration also acknowledges it could lead to more garbage and more garbage and recycling bins would be added to mitigate the problem.

There are several other guidelines as well including parks where alcohol is permitted cannot be adjacent to schools and have to have a 10 metre set back from bodies of water, playgrounds, splashparks, splashpads, residential properties and fence lines. Alcohol would be allowed between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Saskatoon is not, at this time, contemplating a bylaw that allows alcohol in city parks.

On June 5th we asked our listeners if they want to see their town or city council pass a bylaw that allows alcohol in public parks and 89 per cent said no.