Councillor wants to explore more food options in Toronto parks, fewer rules

A city councillor wants to see more creativity, fewer rules and maybe a few places to grab a bite to eat in Toronto's parks.

Coun. Josh Matlow is asking city staff to undertake a review of the city's park rules to see which ones are archaic, burdensome or unnecessary. He also wants them to explore ways to introduce more food and beverage options to the city's parks, like kiosks or small cafes. 

Matlow is bringing forward the motion after a resident sent him a photo of a sign in a city park that said picnics, kite flying, ball playing and frisbee throwing are prohibited without permits and that cyclists need to get off their bikes on hills. 

While the city's bylaws state those permitting rules are only for groups of 25 or more, that detail is found in the bylaw documents, not on the sign itself. That bylaw includes other rules for things kids may want to do, like climb a tree, but says they can't without a permit. 

"I've got a 12-year-old daughter, I would rather her climb a tree any day than spend the whole day on a screen," Matlow said in an interview with CBC Toronto. He said he wants to modernize the city's bylaws so people know they can come to parks and enjoy themselves, as long as they respect rules that should exist.

"In other words, don't behave in ways that have an adverse effect on other people around you, then come have a good time because these parks are yours." 

Matlow's motion will go before city council when it meets later this week. He said making parks enjoyable is paramount in a city where many people don't have backyards. 

He's not the first councillor to call out the city's rules in public parks. Last winter, Coun. Brad Bradford raised concerns about rules prohibiting tobogganing in parks. 

The city should be ensuring that it's approaching park rules in a way that makes the spaces accessible to everyone, said Erika Nikolai, executive director of national advocacy group Park People. 

"Thinking about how people are going to interpret them, how some rules may impact some communities more than others," she said. 

"So really thinking about how they can be inclusive and welcoming and making sure that communities are maximizing the incredible benefits that Toronto's parks offer to our communities."

This is an issue on Matlow's mind too, especially when it comes to picnics. He said some newcomers to the country want to obey the rules but also have large family gatherings. 

"They're not hurting anybody, they're having fun together, and we want people to enjoy themselves in our parks and socialize. I mean, that's a healthy society," he said. 

Matlow's motion follows a March staff report on the city's alcohol in parks pilot project. The report found it to be a success so far, with minimal disruption and positive feedback from residents.