Park drinking nixed, for now

BY MARIA RANTANEN mrantanen@richmond-news com

A proposal for a pilot program allowing drinking in five Richmond parks was voted down on Monday by the majority of city council

But the item is expected to be back on city council’s agenda next week

At Monday’s committee meeting, two city councillors, Bill McNulty and Chak Au, spoke adamantly against drinking in parks, while some others wanted to limit the program

City staff, directed by city council, had proposed allowing alcohol consumption in Garry Point Park, Minoru Park in the Minoru Lakes area Aberdeen Park, King George/Cambie Community Park and McLean Neighbourhood Park

McNulty said he hasn’t had anyone approach him asking for alcohol to be consumed in parks, while Coun. Kash Heed, who initiated the idea, said drinking is already happening in parks

At the meeting, Richmond’s medical health officer, Dr Meena Dawar, disccouraged city council from going ahead with pilot, saying it would further normalize alcohol consumption, especially among youth and children