It looks like picnickers will be allowed to raise a glass of alcohol at Iona Beach Regional Park this summer.
The Metro Vancouver board has decided to launch a pilot program allowing drinking at six regional parks, including at the picnic area at Iona Beach.
The pilot will run from June 28 to Oct. 14.
This will be the only park in Richmond where drinking will be allowed this summer, unless city council reverses an October decision to kibosh a short-lived pilot in three Richmond parks.
Last summer, alcohol consumption was allowed in certain areas of King George, Garry Point and Aberdeen parks.
But when the subject came up in the fall to continue it, it was opposed by the majority on city council with Couns. Chak Au, Andy Hobbs, Laura Gillanders, Alexa Loo, Bill McNulty and Michael Wolfe voting against it.
Signage, specific areas in regional parks for drinking
There will be signs placed around the area in Iona Beach Regional Park that indicate where alcohol can be consumed.
The sites chosen at the regional parks had several criteria, including being highly visible and accessible for emergency vehicles, near washrooms and with minimal impacts to natural areas and programs. Other criteria were that they were 20 metres from playgrounds and not adjacent to school sites.
Other regional parks where alcohol is going to be allowed are Boundary Bay, Brunette Fraser Regional Greenway, Campbell Valley, Capilano River Regional Park and Derby Reach Regional Park in Langley.
All of these have designated areas where drinking will be allowed.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected]. To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter.
