Residents of Gibsons are being asked for their opinion on regulating the use of disposable plastic straws and checkout bags as the town revisits a single-use plastics bylaw from 2019.
A request for feedback on the bylaw, which was given second reading at an April 20 regular council meeting, was circulated on social media and appears on a dedicated webpage.
The bylaw received first reading in 2019. Since then, a number of municipalities, including Nanaimo, Surrey and Tofino, have received approval from the province to implement similar bylaws.
“People are changing – I think it’s time we move our bylaw to the next step,” said Mayor Bill Beamish at the meeting.
Under the proposed regulations, businesses would be banned from offering customers single-use plastic bags or drinking straws.
Checkout bags would only be provided if staff first ask customers if a bag is needed. Only paper or reusable bags could be offered. A fee of at least 25 cents would apply for paper and $2 for reusable bags.
Drinking straws for use at home would still be available for purchase.
If adopted, the bylaw would be reviewed annually to expand regulations, and could be implemented by the start of next year, with enforcement beginning the end of March. The bylaw would need Ministry of Environment approval.
Recycling difficulties, landfill lifespan and readily available alternatives are cited as rationale by the town.
People can share their thoughts by emailing: [email protected].
