Vancouver extends drinking in plazas program until at least May 2025
Cheers, Vancouverites—city council voted to extend the Drinking in Public Plazas Program for another year.
That means residents and visitors alike can continue to drink alcoholic beverages at six designated outdoor spots year-round, and another during the warmer months.
“The program has operated for four successful years in Vancouver, providing residents and visitors with safe, no-cost options where they can socialize, connect and enjoy alcoholic drinks responsibly,” reads a statement from the city.
The program was first introduced in 2020 during the pandemic so people without access to private outdoor spaces could drink and socialize outside. It was then piloted again in 2021, and became permanent in 2022.
Last year, city council voted to make six of the approved plazas year-round drinking spots.
“We are thrilled to support the extension of the Drinking in Public Plazas Program and we remain committed to supporting vibrant public spaces here in Vancouver,” said Mayor Ken Sim in a statement Wednesday.
“A huge component of the program’s success are the plaza and community stewards who care for these spaces daily. I want to extend a personal note of gratitude to the stewards for all that they do to ensure these plazas serve as places for community connection, diverse public life and responsible drinking,” he continued.
The stewards include various business improvement associations from the respective neighbourhoods the plazas are located in.
The 2024/2025 year-round plazas are located at:
- Cambie Street and 17th Avenue
- Cambie Street and 18th Avenue
- Granville St and 13th Avenue
- Granville St and 14th Avenue
- Lot 19, 855 West Hastings St.
- Main Street and 21st Avenue
The seventh plaza—at Maple Street and 4th Avenue—will be open from May 15 to Oct. 31.
From May 15 to October 16, drinking at the spaces is permitted between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., while from October 17 to May 14, 2025, drinking is allowed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The participating locations were chosen due to proximity to amenities like public washrooms.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
The Indian couple killed in a wrong-way police chase crash on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.