News release

For immediate release

Saanich Council officially adopts checkout bag regulation bylaw 

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich Council has officially adopted the checkout bag regulation bylaw to encourage residents and businesses to move away from single-use checkout bags. 

“Saanich has declared a climate emergency and this is a small but important step toward becoming more sustainable, reducing waste and respecting our natural environment,” said Councillor and Acting Mayor, Colin Plant. “Saanich has been a beautiful community for generations and we want to ensure we’re doing everything we can to protect our environment for the future and reduce the negative impact that discarded plastic bags have on municipal facilities and services. There are so many creative options for people to adopt that don’t require a single-use bag. This is one of the ways we’re walking the talk.”

The bylaw will come into effect on January 1, 2020 and aims to reduce plastic bag waste and encourage shoppers and businesses to look at ways to promote sustainability. Businesses will be still be permitted to provide paper bags at a charge of fifteen cents.

Quick facts:

• Public education activities will be rolled out to ensure the public is aware of this change, although many residents and businesses are already leading by example. 
• Saanich will begin issuing fines, as required, starting in June 2020,

 

-30-

 

Media contact:
Brent Reems
Director of Building, Bylaw, Licensing and Legal Services
Brent.reems@saanich.ca
250-475-5419