Alcohol in Parks Pilot
About the project
City Council recently authorized a pilot program that permits the consumption of alcohol at designated picnic tables in selected City parks. Starting on July 2, 2026 and continuing until the pilot program ends on September 30, 2026, Kin Coulee, Echo Dale Regional Park and Strathcona Island Park will have designated picnic tables that allow park users 18 years and older to responsibly consume alcohol while seated at these tables. Trial programs like this are not new, and have been successful in other cities such as Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.
We want your feedback on this initiative! An important aspect of the pilot program is to gather your opinion, to ensure we’re getting this right. Residents are encouraged to complete an online survey in advance of the pilot program, while the program is in effect, and again once the program has ended. Complete the public survey.
This program comes with a number of conditions, including:
Tables are strategically selected. For example, they’re a distance from playgrounds, splash parks and other areas where children typically congregate.
Designated picnic tables are first-come, first-served and cannot be booked.
Only a select number of picnic tables are located in each of the three nominated parks (approximately five to seven tables per park). The number of tables may change over time as this program is re-evaluated.
Picnic tables will be clearly identified with signage installed directly onto the table. Patrons consuming alcohol may only use designated tables and must stay at that table with any open container of alcohol.
Provincial regulations still prevail whereby only adults may consume alcohol; City Bylaws are in effect, which dictate responsible use of parks and respecting the enjoyment of others. Alcohol consumption must follow City Policy and Procedure 0130 and all other applicable bylaws.
Alcohol consumption at designated picnic tables is limited to the hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week - and only when food is present at the table.
Responsible alcohol use is expected at all times.
The opportunity to rent an area in these parks and sign up for a liquor permit for events continues to exist.
The following three maps identify the general locations of the designated picnic tables, in each of the three nominated parks:
Picnic tables where alcohol is permitted will be marked with signs as well there will be road signs in the park. This is an example of what the signs will look like.
Project goals
Goals for this project include:
Allow for responsible consumption of alcohol in designated locations of certain City parks
Gather public feedback on this pilot to ensure City staff and Council can make informed decisions on the future of implementing alcohol consumption in public parks
Determine what conditions of the program should continue or be adjusted to ensure enjoyment for all park users, if this program is fully implemented after the trial period
Why is this happening
Council approved a motion directing Administration to:
develop and implement a pilot program to permit alcohol consumption in designated City park areas from July 2, 2026, to September 30, 2026. The pilot project must:
be in accordance with applicable legislation and City bylaws and policies and include clear rules and limitations
include public communication and signage outlining permitted use and expectations for responsible behaviour
involve engagement with the community before, during and after the pilot project to gauge impact and public opinion
report back to Council at the conclusion of the pilot with findings, including data on enforcement issues, safety impacts and community feedback, as well as recommendations on whether to expand, modify, or discontinue the program
What goes into decision making
The trial program will be initiated on July 2, 2026 and will continue until September 30, 2026. At the conclusion of the trial program, a summary report will be prepared by City Administration, and made available to City Council. This report will also be posted on this project page for public information. City Council will then be able to make an informed decision whether the pilot program will be discontinued, implemented with modifications, or implemented in the same manner as the trial program.
Who is involved
Residents of Medicine Hat
Park users including guests of Medicine Hat
City Council and staff
How can you influence this project
Your responses to the survey will help City Administration and Council to assess:
Impact of the pilot on citizen’s use of public parks
Public opinion of the pilot
Any concerns from the public and ways to help resolve these concerns regarding the program
Let’s ensure shared respect while enjoying our City parks!
Be considerate of others using the park
Keep noise levels reasonable
Leave no litter behind and help keep parks clean
How can you get involved
Continue to enjoy parks as you do, and let us know how this program affects you!
Complete the survey three times:
- Before the pilot begins (June 15 to July 1, 2026)
- During the pilot program (July 2 to September 30, 2026)
- After the pilot closes (October 1 to October 15, 2026)
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Who's Listening
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LP