Esquimalt and Nanaimo are the latest cities seeking feedback on a bylaw to ban distribution of single-use plastic bags.
Esquimalt is asking citizens how best to implement the Checkout Bag Regulation Bylaw, based on bylaws introduced in Victoria and Saanich and being considered in other communities. Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins pegged an implementation date of Jan. 1, 2020.
“We want to balance the need to reduce plastic and single-use bags in our environment with the ability for businesses to serve their customers efficiently,” said Desjardins.
Because the bylaw is aligned with those in Victoria and Saanich, residents and businesses will have consistency from municipality to municipality, she said.
Nanaimo, meanwhile, is consulting with residents and businesses on its draft bylaw until May 31. The results will inform the final bylaw presented for council’s consideration.
“Regulating these bags is a priority and we are seeking input from the community on how we can successfully implement these changes,” said David Thompson, sanitation, recycling and public works manager.
Victoria was the first in the region to implement a single-use plastic-bag ban in July 2018. Victoria created a bylaw and consultation process with the intention that it could be used as a blueprint for other municipalities.
Saanich and Colwood are lined up for similar bylaws to come into effect on Jan. 1, 2020.
The proposed bylaws require that businesses no longer distribute free checkout bags to customers unless the bag is paper or reusable and the customer is charged for the bags. Esquimalt businesses would charge at least 25 cents for a paper bag and $2 for a reusable bag.
More information and the survey for Esquimalt can be found at: esquimalt.ca/bags.
The Nanaimo survey is at nanaimo.ca.
