Consequences of illegal consumption

Adult participation in team sport activities has increased significantly in North Vancouver during the last few years. Unfortunately, there has also been an associated increase in alcohol consumption on or around sports fields. Fields users should be aware of the consequences of disobeying liquor consumption laws, and that each league and its teams are responsible for the actions of their spectators.

Sports fields, bleachers, parking lots and change rooms are public places, and fall under the jurisdiction of the provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Act. Drinking in a public place is a summary conviction offense under the Act, which states:

"Except in the case of liquor purchased and consumed in accordance with a license under this Act permitting consumption in a public place, no person shall consume liquor in a public place."

NVRC, in partnership with the City, District, School District and RCMP, have agreed on the following procedures for dealing with groups that jeopardize the tranquility of our local neighbourhoods by disregarding the law or the Terms and Regulations of the Field Use Permit (see below). The RCMP patrol North Vancouver parks by bicycle and have acted whenever they encounter illegal alcohol consumption.

Please review the disciplinary procedures and additional concerns listed below, and call us at 604-983-6317 if you have any comments or questions. 

Disciplinary procedures

Failing to control alcohol use during your league's activities could expose your directors to the risk of personal liability. Consider adding all of the following consequences of illegal alcohol consumption to your league's rules or constitution.

These procedures may apply to any infraction of the Field Use Permit (including alcohol consumption, noise, parking and litter violations). Although these measures do not cover every possible situation, they can be used as guidelines for establishing basic disciplinary standards to control unacceptable behaviour.

• First verified incident: the league President will be called and some form of discipline will be expected (such as a fine or suspension of an individual or a team by the league).
• Second verified incident: if the same league is involved with a second violation, the offending team will be suspended for a minimum of three games.
• Third verified incident: a third contravention by the same league will result in the suspension of the offending team from the league for the season (whether or not this is the first offense by that particular team).
• Fourth verified incident: a fourth infraction by the same league will result in the suspension of all field use privileges for the league.
• Immediate suspension: a team may be suspended for the balance of the season at any time if they are responsible for two infractions, or if the circumstances of an infraction warrant suspension. At any time during the disciplinary process, the league, staff, and offending team(s) or individual(s) can request a meeting to clarify outcomes or appeal decisions.

Additional concerns

Any one of the following problems can upset neighbours. The School Board, in particular, has a very low tolerance for complaints and has restricted access to playing fields where problems have occurred.

• Excessive noise, especially after games
• Inappropriate parking on streets and cul-de-sacs (instead of using school parking lots)
• Garbage (most schools do not leave garbage containers out after school hours)
• Using parks as toilet facilities.

Protecting the turf & users

North Vancouver community groups can enjoy the local artificial turf fields at:

• William Griffin Park (800 block West Queens Road)
• Confederation Park (20th Street & Jones Avenue)
• Sutherland Secondary School (1960 Sutherland Avenue)
• Windsor Secondary School (931 Broadview Drive)
• Fen Burdett Park (1600 block Jones Avenue)
• Kirkstone Park ( 2301 Kirkstone Road)
  Argyle Secondary School (1131 Frederick Road)

Any sports group can request a field booking by contacting NVRC's Central Booking Office at 604-983-6318 at parks@nvrc.ca or by using our online parks & playing field application.

To cancel a booking on an artificial turf field, provide written notice at least 14 days before your scheduled date by email to parks@nvrc.ca or fax to 604-983-6335.

Conditions of use for community artificial turf fields

Artificial turf fields are a great way to enhance community access to sports fields in North Vancouver. Please remember that fields are often located in residential areas, and noise, litter and parking from games can impact nearby homes. Players, coaches and spectators are asked to be considerate of the surrounding neighbourhood and other field users. By working together and following this code of conduct, we can help ensure these facilities remain safe and available for everyone to enjoy.

Timing of Field Access: Teams must not enter the field area until their designated start time. Groups should plan to leave the field five minutes before the end of their scheduled session to allow sufficient transition time between games.  

Cleanliness and Respect for Public Property: Please help keep the sports fields and surrounding facilities clean and free of litter. Glass, gum, sunflower seeds or any type of food must remain off the field. Players are reminder to please use the boot brushes to remove mud and grass from their shoes before entering the field. Respect equipment, amenities, and infrastructure, and report any damage or vandalism promptly.

Noise Control: Be mindful of noise levels, especially during early morning or late evening hours, to minimize disturbances to nearby residents. Amplified sounds are not permitted and participants are asked to please keep celebrations to reasonable volumes.

Field Lights: Lights are activated by a key pad. Please Enter 505001# to turn them on and 505001* to turn them off. The exception is Fen Burdett Field where the lights are on an automatic timer.

Appropriate Footwear: Metal cleats are not permitted. Maximum length for screw-in cleats is 1/2 inch. Traditional molded soccer cleats, turf-specific footwear, or running shoes are permitted.

Alcohol and Substance Use: The consumption of alcohol and the use of illicit substances are strictly prohibited on sports fields and surrounding areas.

Smoking Policy: Smoking and vaping is prohibited on all school grounds, parks and within 6-metres of any sports field.

Preventing Damage: Fireworks, fire crackers and any open flames are prohibited. Tents must be free-standing and kept beyond the perimeter of the field. Please safely lift goals instead of dragging them.  

Dogs Policy: Dogs and other pets are not permitted on sports fields to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the playing surfaces.

Parking: Please park vehicles in designated parking lots and obey all street parking regulations. Vehicles are not permitted on the field.

Spectator Conduct: Spectators must remain in designated areas and refrain from entering the playing surface. Spectator behavior should be respectful and supportive of all participants and officials.

Permitted Use Only: All users must obtain a permit before using the sports fields for organized activities or events. Golf, drones or other aircraft, bicycles, scooters, rollerblades or skateboards, shot putting, javelin, or discus throwing are not permitted at any time.

If you have any questions, please contact the North Vancouver Recreation & Culture central booking office at 604-983-6318, weekdays from 8:00am-4:00pm or via e-mail at parks@nvrc.ca.

Use of North Vancouver parks & playing fields

The following terms and regulations form part of the agreement between all user groups or organizations and NVRC, the District of North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver and School District #44 (North Vancouver) for the use of their premises. Before your group books a North Vancouver park or playing field, review these terms and the waiver & indemnity clause that follows.

For more information about field bookings and park and field permits for your group, call 604-983-6318 (M-F, 8:30am-4pm) or email parks@nvrc.ca.

Terms & regulations

The group or organization, in consideration of being granted permission to use the premises, agrees to be bound by the following terms and regulations, which form part of the park/field permit.

• To be responsible for any damages incurred by the group or organization.
• To exercise the greatest care in use of the premises.
• To report all damage immediately to NVRC or the City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver or School District No. 44.
• If members of the group or organization are under 19 years of age, to be under immediate supervision and control of a competent and trustworthy adult who will personally undertake to be responsible for the due observance of regulations governing the premises.
• To be responsible for leaving the premises clean. Failure to do so may result in a fee levied for maintenance.
• To refrain from use of grass fields, when frozen, water saturated, with snow on the surface or during extended rainfall.
• To adhere to grass field closures. Information and field updates can be found on the weekends on Twitter at @DNVfields or @CNVfields, depending on the field location. You can also visit the Field Status & Locations page on NVRC.ca.
• To pay whatever fees are levied according to this agreement.
• To contact NVRC at 604-983-6318 or parks@nvrc.ca and cancel the permit if the group or organization does not plan to use it.

The following restrictions apply to all user groups and organizations:

• Practicing on grass fields is not permitted without authorization.
• Objects are not to be placed in or on grass fields without first consulting with the Parks department (due to underground irrigation systems). Liquor or beer is not permitted on any premises unless a liquor permit is in effect.
• Smoking is prohibited on all School District properties.
• Equipment storage on or in premises is not permitted without approval of the Parks department.
• This permit is only for the said group or organization named on this permit. The premises may not be sublet.

Failure to adhere strictly to the above regulations may result in the cancellation of this permit. The applicant agrees to inform, to the best of their ability, all responsible officials associated with the group or organization of the terms and regulations.

Waiver & indemnity clause

The group or organization accepts and will use the premises at their own risk, and agrees that neither the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission, the Corporation of the District of North Vancouver, the Corporation of the City of North Vancouver, School District No. 44 (North Vancouver), nor their respective officers, employees, servants, agents, heirs, successors and assigns have made any warranties or representations respecting the suitability or condition of the premises. The group or organization further agrees that it will indemnify and save harmless the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission, the Corporation of the District of North Vancouver, the Corporation of the City of North Vancouver, School District No. 44 (North Vancouver) and their respective officers, employees, servants, agents, heirs, successors and assigns from and against any and all claims whatsoever, including all damages, liability, expenses, costs, and legal or other fees incurred in respect of any such claims or any actions or proceedings brought thereon arising directly or indirectly from or in connection with the granting of this permit and use of the premises. Prior to the execution of this permit by the Commission, the group or organization will obtain and maintain comprehensive general liability insurance including, without limitation, coverage for the indemnity provided therein, on terms satisfactory to the Commission with the North Vancouver Recreation & Culture Commission, the District of North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver and School District No. 44 (North Vancouver) as named insureds. Such policy will be written on a comprehensive basis with inclusive limits of not less than $5 million per occurrence, including $5 million for bodily injury and death to any one or more persons or for property damage, or such higher limits as the Commission requires from time to time, and will contain a clause providing that the insurer will give the Commission, the District of North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver and School District No. 44 (North Vancouver) 30 days prior written notice in the event of cancellation or material change. The group or organization will provide the Commission with evidence of such insurance coverage in the form of an executed copy of a Certificate of Insurance in a form satisfactory to the Commission. The group or organization understands and agrees that this permit may be revoked or cancelled at any time with or without cause and, in the event of such revocation or cancellation, the group or organization shall have no claim or right to damages or reimbursement on account of any loss, damage or expense. The applicant warrants and represents that he/she executes this application on behalf of the group or organization and has sufficient power, authority and capacity to bind the group or organization with his/her signature.

These guidelines safeguard everyone's recreational pleasure. Parks department staff monitor North Vancouver parks to ensure visitors respect the rights of others by following these guidelines.

• Alcohol consumption is prohibited except where special event permit, RCMP and Park permission is approved.
• Dogs, where permitted, must be kept on leashes at all times. Owners are required to clean up after their pets. Dogs are not permitted in covered picnic shelter areas. (see the dogs in parks regulations under bylaw #5981 of the District of North Vancouver)
• Events are permitted in booked areas only (that is, picnic shelters and other pre-arranged sites). All other areas are open for public use and enjoyment.
• Feeding wildlife creates unnaturally high populations that disrupt the ecological balance of the park environment.
• Food may not be sold without a special event permit. The consumption of prepared food from home is permitted; however, barbecues are restricted as follows:
  • Lynn Canyon Park - gas barbecues only
  • Other parks - gas, propane or hibachi
• Garbage, including picnic materials, must be put in garbage containers or taken away. The dumping of ice, excess juice, water or food on grass areas is forbidden. Briquette ashes must be dumped into the designated concrete ash receptacle (not in garbage cans or on lawns, bush areas, gardens and beaches).
• Grass areas are not to be driven on. Noise produced by public address systems, loud speakers or music are not permitted near residential buildings without relaxation of noise bylaw #5986 enacted by Mayor and Council.
• Parking in parking lots, wherever possible, is preferred. Please consider local residents and do not block driveways next to the park. Leave space for residents to park their vehicles near their homes.
• Selling or promoting services or products is not permitted. Special vending concessions require Park permits and health permits.
• Structures or displays are not to be set up on playing fields.
• Tents or play structures are not allowed without prior permission.