A pilot program that permitted responsible alcohol consumption in a designated area of Riverside Park last summer will return for a full season in 2026, after public feedback and enforcement data suggested the initiative was largely successful and did not lead to increased safety concerns.

The Responsible Liquor Consumption Pilot Program, which ran from July 3 to Oct. 1, 2025, allowed alcohol consumption within a designated zone near the park’s Bandshell area. City staff told council the program was designed to complement existing community events such as Music in the Park while testing whether responsible consumption could coexist with family-friendly park use.

According to a report presented to Kamloops City Council, a public survey conducted during the pilot showed 58% of respondents supported allowing liquor in the park, while 40% opposed the initiative and about 2% remained neutral.

City staff noted that opinions were often strongly held on both sides of the debate. Approximately 52% of respondents said they strongly supported the program, while 34% said they were strongly opposed.

The initiative originated after a recommendation from the Livability and Sustainability Select Committee, which explored the concept following a delegation from Tourism Kamloops in 2024.

Public Opinion Shifted Over Time

City staff said feedback trends changed noticeably as the pilot progressed.

Early responses in July were highly polarized, with many residents expressing concerns before they had even visited the designated area. Survey participation declined in August as the program settled into routine use.

By September, however, the tone of responses shifted significantly toward support.

Many respondents reported that the program appeared to be working as intended, with visible enforcement and responsible behaviour from park users.

City staff said the results suggest public acceptance grew as residents became familiar with the program in practice.

Demographics of Respondents

Survey responses were dominated by older demographics.

The largest group of respondents were aged 50–64 (31.46%), followed by 35–49 (25.84%) and 65+ (25.09%).

City staff noted that these groups also provided the most detailed written feedback during the consultation period.

Supporters Say Program Builds Community

Supporters frequently framed the pilot as a recognition that adults can drink responsibly in public spaces.

Many respondents praised the city for “treating adults like adults”, saying the program normalized moderate alcohol consumption in a social setting.

Others said the initiative helped strengthen the park’s atmosphere during events such as Music in the Park, making the downtown area feel more vibrant and welcoming.

Some residents also suggested the policy could support tourism and create a stronger sense of community pride by offering a modern park experience similar to programs in other Canadian cities.

Survey responses reflected that sentiment.

Approximately 66% of respondents reported seeing people consuming alcohol responsibly during the pilot.

Meanwhile, 93% reported seeing people enjoying the outdoor space, and about 88% observed families using the park, suggesting the area remained family-friendly despite the presence of alcohol.

Critics Raised Moral and Safety Concerns

Opponents of the pilot program voiced strong objections, often based on ethical concerns about alcohol use in public spaces.

Many respondents worried that permitting drinking in parks could normalize substance use or undermine family-oriented environments.

A common concern was the proximity of alcohol consumption to playgrounds and family areas, with some residents fearing it could discourage families from visiting the park.

Among the most frequently cited negative observations were increased litter (44 respondents) and inappropriate behaviour (43 respondents).

Despite these concerns, city staff said both supporters and critics emphasized similar priorities.

Across responses, residents consistently stressed the importance of clear rules, visible enforcement, and maintaining safe and clean parks.

Enforcement Data Shows No Increase in Incidents

Police and city enforcement data indicated that the pilot program did not lead to an increase in public safety issues.

According to RCMP statistics, files related to incidents in Riverside Park actually decreased by about 25% during the pilot period compared to the same timeframe the previous year.

City staff cautioned that the numbers represent a relatively small sample size and may have been influenced by other factors.

During the same period, construction of the new Riverside skating facility brought additional activity and a 24-hour security presence to the park, which may also have contributed to the decline in reported incidents.

Community Service Officers responded to three calls for public intoxication, which is consistent with a typical year. Only one of those calls occurred within the designated alcohol consumption area.

Security personnel reported three minor rule-related incidents during the pilot:

• Two involved individuals drinking outside the designated zone

• One involved drinking before permitted hours

In each case, security staff provided education about the rules and the issue was resolved immediately.

Parks staff also reported no increase in service requests related to alcohol, including cleanup, waste disposal, or maintenance issues.

New Amenities Could Complement the Program

City staff also highlighted new park infrastructure that could support responsible consumption.

With the completion of the Riverside skating facility, a new seating area has been created.

Officials say the space will provide convenient access to food and non-alcoholic beverages, including water, helping promote balanced and responsible use of the area.

Council Discussion Reflects Mixed Views

Council discussion reflected the broader community divide.

Councillor Stephen Karpuk welcomed the results, saying the pilot demonstrated that residents could behave responsibly.

“Hopefully this is something we can continue,” he said, adding that the program recognizes that “if people choose to drink, they can do so responsibly and legally.”

Councillor Nancy Bepple, however, said he personally remained strongly opposed to alcohol consumption in parks.

While acknowledging the value of the report, she questioned the methodology of the public survey, noting it relied on voluntary responses rather than a randomized sample of park users.

Bepple also pointed out that municipalities across Canada are increasingly developing formal alcohol policies for public spaces, which define where drinking is appropriate and where it is not.

“This program could eventually fit within that kind of framework,” she said.

Councillor Bill Sarai shared a perspective he heard from residents attending Music in the Park.

Some families told her they appreciated being able to have a drink openly while attending events with their kids.

Previously, some felt they had to hide alcohol consumption in public spaces, which could create awkward situations around their kids.

They said being able to drink legally allowed them to model responsible behaviour instead.

Full Season Planned for 2026

City staff say the pilot program will now run for the full permitted season from May 15 to Oct. 1, 2026.

Last year’s pilot began in July, meaning the city has not yet collected data for the entire operating period allowed under the bylaw.

Officials say running the program for the full season will allow staff to gather more comprehensive data, including how the program functions during the spring and early summer.

Ahead of the May 15 launch, the city plans to begin a public communications campaign to ensure residents clearly understand the program’s rules and expectations.

Staff will continue collecting feedback throughout the season and are expected to return to council with updated findings and recommendations after the 2026 pilot concludes.