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Drinking alcohol in Vedder Park once again up for consideration by Chilliwack council

Due to ‘success and popularity,’ city proposing ‘a repeat but slightly extended season’ for summer
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Two areas in Vedder Park again proposed for alcohol consumption in 2022. (City of Chilliwack)

A slightly longer window of opportunity is under consideration by Chilliwack council for responsible alcohol consumption in Vedder Park for 2022.

The proposal comes on the heels of the “success and popularity” of the initiative to date.

City of Chilliwack has been testing the waters with pilot projects over the last two summers where park users are permitted to drink alcohol in designated areas between noon and 9 p.m.

It was approved initially in 2020 at two park locations, in Vedder Park and Crossing Park, from August to October, but last year it was only available in Vedder Park.

It all started during the COVID shutdown.

“This was done to foster further opportunities for social connections during the COVID-19 pandemic, while complying with

provincial health guidelines,” according to the city staff report in the April 5 council agenda package.

Both projects were well received by the public with zero complaints received by the city and RCMP.

RELATED: Hundreds weighed in on pilot project

“Due to the success and popularity of the 2020 and 2021 projects staff are recommending a repeat but slightly extended season in 2022, with effective dates of May 1 to Oct. 31, to allow for the consumption of liquor in Vedder Park,” the report said.

Council will be voting on it at the afternoon meeting on Tuesday, April 5.

Vedder Park is at 45450 Petawawa Road.

RELATED: 2 parks approved in Chilliwack for pilot project

RELATED: 2021 saw alcohol consumption reach a 20-year peak

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Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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