Last year the City of Vancouver allowed alcohol consumption at four plazas.
This year they're looking to do it again, but this year they're changing up most of the plaza.
In a report to city council, staff suggest a second-phase pilot happen this year from May 31 until Oct. 11 so they can better refine the ideas first tried out last year (which ran from August to October).
"No health, safety, or nuisance issues were reported through monitoring; feedback received from residents and businesses indicated broad support for the program and pilot sites," states staff in the report.
"Last year’s pilot demonstrated that consumption of alcohol in designated public spaces can be done respectfully and responsibly," they add.
One of the big changes this year will be changing three of the four locations. While the temporary plaza at Cambie Street and West 17 Ave will be back, using a block of the avenue on the eastern side of Cambie, it's the only returning site.
The three new sites won't be as concentrated downtown as before. :
- The plaza on the 800-block of Robson Street (last year the nearby Bute-Robson Plaza was used).
- A temporary plaza on East 27 Avenue at Fraser Street.
- A temporary plaza on Maple Street at West 4 Avenue (which will open in June).
It's proposed the city partner with the Cambie Village BIA and Downtown Vancouver BIA again for the plazas in their respective areas. In Kitsilano they're considering partnering with the local BIA there. The East 27 Avenue plaza would see the city working with local restaurant Say Mercy!
"The pilot encourages sites that are within walking distance to food-primary businesses, public transit, and overnight parking facilities, while aiming to stay away from sensitive areas such as hospital or health care facilities, or residential-only areas," states city staff in the report, noting the importance of washrooms to the plan.
One concern Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has with the plan is noted.
"VCH has voiced concerns over the long-term impacts of normalizing public drinking in a 'binge drinking culture', and the immediate impacts alcohol-related incidents may have on emergency and hospital services," staff note, but add that data didn't show an increase in related hospital visits.
They also note public response has been public.
Costs for the pilot are about $5,000 per site for the length of the project.
Council will discuss the report at the next council meeting on May 18 and may approve the second phase in principle; the bylaw amendments would still have to be officially put through.
The Vancouver parks board is considering allowing alcohol consumption in 22 parks but is waiting on the province.
