Calgary's new fire pits have already seen 900 booking requests

It has been just over one week, but the City of Calgary’s fire pit pilot project seems to be something of a success.

The city installed a number of fire pits throughout the city last week in an effort to help residents abide by the new social gathering restrictions hoping to stem the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta.

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These fire pits can be enjoyed from 9 am to 9 pm on both weekends and weekdays; the City of Calgary’s website states that while anyone can use them, those who have booked them and obtained a permit will have priority.

A recent release from the city states that, within just the past two weeks, the fire pits have seen over 900 booking requests.

“Bookings can be made one week in advance but due to high demand we are working on a faster system,” the release notes.

The city’s website shows that all the fire pits have been booked solid for the upcoming weekend (December 4 to 6) but that bookings are currently being taken for the weekend of December 11 to 13.

Booking the sites is free and can be done on the city’s website. Once booked, Calgarians will be able to enjoy an outdoor fire with two hours of free firewood for anyone who shows a permit.

Your own firewood can be brought and burned as well, even if you do not have a permit.

Bookable times for all fire pits are from noon to 3 pm, 4 to 6 pm, and 7 to 9 pm.

Here are the fire pit locations:

• Collingwood Off-leash Park – 1823 John Laurie Boulevard NW
• Country Hills Park – 529 Country Hills Drive NW
• Crescent Heights Park – 201 2nd Street NW
• Hillhurst – Riley Park – 800 12th Street NW
• Sunnyside – 625 3rd Avenue NW
• Big Marlborough Park – 6021 Madigan Drive NE
• Bridgeland Plaza – 912 General Avenue NE
• Taradale – Manmeet Singh Bhullar Park – 7306 64th Avenue NE
• Spruce Cliff – Cedar Crescent Park – 411 Cedar Crescent SW
• Evergreen Park – 1611 Evergreen Drive SW
• Meadowlark Park 0 20 MacKay Drive SW
• Copperfield Park – 41 Copperfield Pt. SE

Those hoping to enjoy a fire will need to bring their own equipment, including fire starters, roasting sticks, chairs, etc.

Alcohol is not permitted, though hot chocolate definitely is.