Most Kamloopsians support booze in public park: survey

A Kamloops pilot project to allow alcohol in a public park will resume for a second summer.

Instead of putting a ban on liquor at Riverside Park, the city gave the OK for park-goers to drink in designated areas last year.

City staff were concerned members of the community were “polarized” on the idea, but a survey found the majority were in favour.

Nearly 270 people responded to a city survey and almost two-thirds said they were in favour of allowing alcohol in the park, which hosts Music in the Park every summer.

Those opposed said they were concerned about family safety and the “normalization” of substance use.

The results were presented to city council last week and although some shared their opinions, it was already planned to start again on May 15 without a council vote.

While Coun. Nancy Bepple said she was not in favour of the pilot project, others said they want to see it continue on.

Coun. Bill Sarai said he heard from friends and family who felt it was “relaxing” not to have to sneak their alcohol to the park.

Kamloops isn’t alone among BC cities allowing people to bring alcohol to public parks, with cities like Kelowna and Vancouver adopting similar policies in recent years.