You can BYOB to Riverside Park in Kamloops this summer

Kamloops has followed other BC cities and will allow alcohol consumption at its central park.

People can bring their own liquor to Riverside Park this summer as a section of the park will be set aside much like an event beer garden.

The City of Kamloops, after getting unanimous approval from city council on June 10, will run a pilot project near the bandshell each day this summer between noon and 9 p.m.

“I’m hoping residents of Kamloops can take advantage of this and come enjoy Music in the Park or events and show responsibility so we can enjoy our parks moving forward with a glass of wine or a beer from our local breweries,” Coun. Bill Sarai said.

“This is a great start and I’m looking forward to seeing the results and the feedback on this pilot.”

Other cities like Kelowna and Penticton, along with some in the Lower Mainland, already have similar bylaws in place. The list of BC cities allowing liquor in some parks has grown particularly since 2020.

At the Tuesday council meeting, Coun. Nancy Bepple raised concerns like the lack of trees in the specified area, the proximity to the river and the access to drinking water.

“At noon I would not predict people would want to stay in that area,” she said, suggesting it would be too hot for most of the day.

Some of her concerns were alleviated, specifically with water fountains available at the park and the city’s intention to install signage meant to deter people from drinking then swimming or driving.

RCMP and bylaw officers will also keep a more watchful eye on the park this summer with both having the authority to dispose of someone’s alcohol if they deem it necessary. Police officers can also remove people from the park if they’re causing a disturbance.

“This does not allow for public intoxication,” city events supervisor Andrew Smeaton told council.

The pilot project will run until Oct. 1 at which point the new bylaw will be reviewed and it could be made permanent in the future.