Drinking could be allowed in these Kelowna parks this summer

Kelowna may soon be among a growing number of cities in B.C. and across Canada to allow drinking in parks.

A report set to go before city lawmakers on Monday details plans for a summer pilot project.

Waterfront, Kinsmen and Boyce-Gyro Park would become alcohol-friendly from July 4 to Oct. 6, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Alcohol would not be allowed to be consumed within 15 m of a playground, on sport courts or fields, in a parking lot, in the water, or on piers and boardwalks without railings. There will likely also be a zero tolerance for glass. The law could also be set aside on long weekends, as not to add additional strain to law enforcement resources.

These parks were selected due to their open sightlines, washroom availability, transit accessibility, and adequate trash cans and picnic tables.

The project was spurred on by Mayor Tom Dyas, who broached the subject earlier this year after Penticton made the practice permanent.

Penticton is among five cities that currently allow alcohol consumption in parks, alongside Vancouver, North Van, Port Coquitlam, and Coquitlam.

Kelowna bureaucrats turned to Penticton and its endeavour for guidance on the local laws. The southern Okanagan city ran a three-year test to gather information. It now allows drinking in five parks from noon to 9 p.m.

RCMP and bylaw enforcement have said alcohol consumption had a negligible impact on calls.

City council is being asked to give all three readings to the bylaw on Monday.