Following in the footsteps of Calgary, the City of Chestermere is introducing a two-month pilot project this summer that will allow residents and visitors to enjoy a cold beer or wine in two of the lakeside community's public parks.
A press release June 24 indicates the municipality's pilot will permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages by beachgoers at John Peake Park and Sunset Park this July and August.
However, those are the only two parks the pilot project is limited to, and the pilot only allows for the consumption of beer and wine.
"This was brought forward in the spirit of giving parkgoers the option of having an alcoholic beverage while enjoying our lakeside green spaces," the City's release states. "This initiative allows users to roam around the large grassy areas of the parks with an alcoholic beverage and is based on similarly piloted programs in surrounding municipalities, such as the City of Calgary."
The pilot includes consultation from legal counsel and input from Municipal Enforcement, according to the City. It is intended to run in the summer, after which Chestermere City council will revisit the initiative.
The consumption of alcohol is limited to the hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and hard liquor/spirits are not permitted. Glass is not allowed, and disruptive behaviour, public intoxication, and public urination will not be tolerated. The rule does not apply to sidewalks or parking lots, only the grassy areas.
"Users are expected to be respectful of other parkgoers and to clean up after themselves," the City states. "As this is a pilot project, if unacceptable behaviour becomes an issue, the City of Chestermere Administration/Municipal Enforcement reserves the right to cancel the program at any time, without warning."
According to the press release, the City is requesting input and residents and visitors are encouraged to weigh in before July 8 to provide their thoughts on the pilot project.
Following the consultation period, input will be brought to Chestermere City council for consideration.
