Central Saanich Council has turned down a motion to allow people to consume alcohol in municipal parks.
On Monday night, the council voted down the idea that would have given people the chance to drink alcoholic beverages legally in Central Saanich Parks between noon and 6 p.m. until the month of September.
Some councillors who opposed the idea said now is not the time amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
During discussions at the council meeting on July 14, the general feeling from members was that allowing people to gather in parks with alcoholic drinks could pose risks of spreading the virus and could result in more cases.
The initial motion, brought forward by councillors Chris Graham and Niall Paltiel, had suggested allowing people to drink responsibly while visiting parks would encourage more people to use the spaces.
On the same day that Central Saanich Council voted down the motion, British Columbian health officials announced there were 62 new COVID-19 cases across the province.
The data included information since Friday, July 10 – marking three straight days of 20 or more new cases.
There were also two additional deaths, bringing the provincial total 189.
“Until a vaccine or effective treatment is available, our focus is to keep new cases low and slow. And to do this, all of us need to do our part, to show kindness and patience with those around us and take precautions to protect each other,” said provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on Monday.
Health Minister Adrian Dix also said on Monday that several new COVID-19 exposures in the city of Kelowna serve as a reminder of the risks posed by gatherings – something that might be more encouraged if Central Saanich were to allow alcoholic beverages in parks.
Several of these Kelowna exposures stem from parties that consisted of people primarily in their 20s and 30s.
Central Saanich’s vote comes just three weeks after Saanich Council voted against a similar plan.
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