District of North Vancouver to look at potential single-use plastics policy

NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Politicians in the District of North Vancouver have a firm message against single-use plastics.

City Councillors voted unanimously on Monday to have staff investigate the policy to regulate things like plastic bags and straws.

The reason for the motion, brought forward by Councillor Megan Curren, is that single-use items “increase waste and create a negative financial and environmental impact to municipal sewers, storm drains, streets, parks, beaches and waterways.”

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Councillors will now wait to see a report in a few months following consultation with local businesses and stakeholders.

The City of Vancouver voted last year to ban all unnecessary single-use items like straws and takeout containers. The plan, however, has been postponed until next year to give businesses more time to make the switch. The city has previously said there won’t be an outright ban on straws but a reduction of their use because some people with disabilities and other health challenges need them to drink.

The City of Richmond and Victoria have also eyed their own single-use plastics bans, while cities like Montreal have already banned “conventional plastic shopping bags.”

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Curren’s motion picked up strong support from children in the district, with almost 600 elementary students signing petitions to ban plastics.

“While the District of North Vancouver can and should continue to advocate for single-use regulatory policy at the regional, provincial and federal level, we can take immediate action by regulating the distribution of single-use,” her motion reads. “Municipal governments throughout BC are taking action on single-use at a local level. As well, single-use policies to address the crisis have been implemented around the world.”