The provincial government has approved a plastic bag ban bylaw introduced by the District of Saanich.
The bylaw, which aims to eliminate single-use plastic checkout bags, received the green light from the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
See also: Saanich’s ban on plastic bags unanimously approved in first and second reading
“Saanich has declared a climate emergency and the elimination of checkout bags is a small but important step toward becoming more sustainable, reducing waste and respecting our natural environment,” said Mayor Fred Haynes.
“Reducing the negative impacts that discarded plastic bags have on the environment and our municipal facilities and services is a small but significant step. There are so many creative options for people to adopt that don’t require a single-use bag.”
“This is one of the ways that, together with Saanich businesses and residents, we are walking the talk.”
Under the new rule, plastic bags are banned but businesses can still provide paper bags at a cost of fifteen cents.
The bylaw will be presented to Saanich council for final adoption at an upcoming meeting and will come into effect sixty days after it is officially adopted.
