The City of Vancouver wants to know what you think about banning plastic bags in the city.
Residents, non-profit organizations, businesses and institutions are invited to share their perspectives through an online survey on whether Vancouver should ban plastic bags and charge fees on paper and reusable bags, similar to what’s been implemented in Victoria.
Vancouver city council approved the Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy in June 2018, with the aim of reducing the impact of:
- Plastic and paper shopping bags
- Polystyrene foam and paper cups
- Disposable hot and cold drink cups
- Take-out food containers
- Plastic straws
- Single-use utensils
“As much as possible, the strategy is designed to support convenient, affordable and accessible alternatives, shift societal norms, support lasting behaviour change, and value all members of Vancouver’s diverse communities,” a City of Vancouver information bulletin states. “The strategy strives to meet the needs of everyone, regardless of physical ability.”
In April, city council directed staff to explore how public opinion has changed since the City of Victoria introduced its Checkout Bag Regulation bylaw and report back on adopting a similar ban on plastic bags.
Victoria’s bylaw, which has been in effect since July 2018, bans plastic bags and requires fees on paper and reusable shopping bags.
Vancouver’s online survey is available in English and simplified Chinese, and runs until July 30.
Input received through the survey will inform a plastic and paper shopping bag bylaw that staff will present to council in November.
@JessicaEKerr
jkerr@vancourier.com
