CollingwoodToday welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter was sent in response to our story about a resident-led petition to allow open alcohol in some Collingwood parks.
A Collingwood resident has launched a petition to allow alcohol consumption in parks. Mayor Hamlin has stated that if the issue comes before the council, both pros and cons will be considered. The mayor expressed safety concerns.
I would like to add a crucial fact to the debate: alcohol is a toxic and psychoactive substance that has long been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
This is the highest-risk group, which also includes asbestos, radiation, and tobacco. Alcohol is responsible for at least seven types of cancer, including bowel and breast cancer, which are the most common. This information comes from the World Health Organization as of January 4th, 2023.
Our healthcare system is already under immense strain. Allowing alcohol consumption in parks would only exacerbate the problem.
Alcohol is responsible for numerous serious and costly health issues. It causes cancer which in far too many cases is fatal.
It makes absolutely no sense to permit the consumption of alcohol in Collingwood parks or any other park.
Ron Tadman
Blue Mountains
