New Westminster is sticking to its goal of banning single-use items but would like it to be done across the region.
In August 2019, city council directed staff to explore the implementation of a ban on the use of plastic straws, single-use plastic bags and Styrofoam take-out packaging. At the same time, council asked staff to report back on a strategy that includes actions to be taken that are harmonized with a provincial framework once it’s in place.
A Jan. 18 staff report states the provincial government announced in the fall of 2020 that it would move to approve municipal bylaws banning single-use plastic items. The province also plans to draft new regulations under the Community Charter to allow local governments to ban single-use plastics, such as shopping bags, straws and polystyrene foam take-out containers, without requiring provincial approval.
According to the staff report, Victoria and Richmond have introduced bylaw regulations about the uses of these items in their communities, but the bylaws are subject to ministerial approval. In December 2020, Surrey council authorized its staff to submit a proposed bylaw to the province regarding a ban on plastic checkout bags, foam cups and foam take-out containers.
Regional approach needed
Given that the provincial and federal governments are working on issue, City of New Westminster staff believe the city’s best move is to adopt a ban on single-use items once legislation is introduced by senior governments.
“Adopting local bylaws at this time may result in inconsistencies with upcoming legislation and varying practices across the region,” said the report. “Resources would also be needed to implement and enforce the new bylaws. Current public awareness on the impacts of plastics on the environment and the forthcoming legislation are already influencing some businesses in New Westminster and other cities to take steps to transition away from the use of single-use plastic items.”
Coun. Patrick Johnstone said efforts on this front have been slowed down everywhere because of the COVID situation, as a result of changing consumer habits and workload issues.
Johnstone said the staff report outlined federal and provincial approaches, but it didn’t really go into the role of Metro Vancouver, which is responsible for solid waste in the region. While Metro Vancouver has created some regulations about where the waste goes once it’s been collected and has created a single-use reduction toolkit, he thinks it needs to take on a larger role on this issue.
“I would suggest that we sent the message to Metro Vancouver that we think Metro Vancouver should get more proactive with this,” he said, “and instead of just creating a toolkit for 21 individual local governments it should actually think about whether they have a role to play and whether they could actually take the actions in that tool kit and turn it into some sort of regulatory regime. That would be my suggestion.”
Coun. Jaimie McEvoy agreed, saying compliance would be better under a regional model, including for businesses that operate in different municipalities.
Council directed staff to work on correspondence to send to the Zero Waste committee and Metro Vancouver.
Follow Theresa McManus on Twitter @TheresaMcManus
Email tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca
