City’s Alcohol in Parks pilot continues in 2026

The City will continue the Alcohol in Parks pilot this year, running from Monday, June 1 to Saturday, October 31.

This pilot project, which was approved by City Council in spring 2025, allows the personal consumption of alcohol in designated areas of select parks between 11 am and 9 pm.

To date, the following parks are designated to take part in the 2026 pilot program:

• Minto Park, 102 Lewis Street
• McNabb Park, 180 Percy Street
• Queenswood Ridge Park, 346 Kennedy Lane East
• Brewer Park, 100 Brewer Way
• Heirloom Orchard, Lansdowne Park, 450 Queen Elizabeth Driveway
• Primrose Park, 179 Primrose Ave
• Champlain Park, 140 Carleton Avenue
• Strathcona Park, 25 Range Road
• Riverain Park, 400 North River Road

Signage at these parks will indicate that personal consumption of alcohol is permitted. The updated list of participating parks and designated areas are also available on ottawa.ca/alcoholinparks. Check regularly as more parks may be added over the summer. 

 In the pilot project parks, only designated areas of the park are approved for alcohol consumption. It is not permitted within a five-metre radius from the following amenities:

• Playgrounds
• Wading pools and splash pads
• Beaches
• Rinks
• Playing fields and ball diamonds
• Basketball, tennis and pickleball courts
• Skateboard parks
• Parking lots 

No alcohol is allowed within a rental area of a park where an event is taking place with a valid permit, unless the City's General Manager of Recreation, Culture and Facilities approved it in the permit.

Please take your empty alcoholic beverage containers home with you. Remember, alcohol bottles and cans can be returned for deposit refunds at any Beer Store retailer.

Park-goers are advised to drink responsibly and be aware that personal conduct is subject to municipal by-laws, provincial laws and Canada’s Criminal Code, including the legal drinking age of 19 years and laws around public intoxication. 

Ottawa Public Health has health and safety information regarding alcohol on their website at ottawapublichealth.ca/alcohol.

As this is a pilot project, residents are invited to submit their feedback, ideas and suggestions throughout the duration of this project at parksfacilitiesbylaw@ottawa.ca.