A machine moves piles of waste inside a landfill (council agenda/City of P.A.)

By Alison Sandstrom

Green moves

City council looks to ban plastic bags

Oct 8, 2019 | 8:15 AM

A potential bylaw that would make it illegal for businesses in Prince Albert to distribute single use plastic bags to their customers appears to have broad support among city council.

Although several municipalities in Canada have similar bans, the proposed bylaw would be the first of its kind in Saskatchewan.

“I think it’s a very positive move for the community,” Coun. Blake Edwards said during Monday’s meeting. “I think we need to be the leader in this.”

Council voted to have administration draft the bylaw, which once complete, would likely be vote on in November. If it passes, the ban will come into effect Apr. 1, 2020.

According to a city report, an estimated 3.6 million plastic bags are distributed in Prince Albert every year. Though most bags are used for a matter of minutes, they take up to 1000 years to decompose, clogging landfills and in some cases waterways and oceans.

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Monday’s discussion was one of several concerning waste that had come before council in the past months. The city is due to expand it’s landfill by purchasing a new $3.5 million cell within two years and councillors have been pondering options to divert some of that trash.

Meanwhile, an online survey by the city of P.A. found that 75 per cent of over 1700 respondents supported the idea of prohibiting businesses from distributing single use plastic bags.

“I think most importantly the community at large…have already spoken in favour of this,” Coun. Evert Botha said. “I think that’s a pretty good indication that we’re on the right track.”

If enacted, the bylaw would have exemptions including for bags used to package loose bulk items, meat, and baked goods. City staff clarified stores would still be able to sell items such as garbage bags and kitchen wrappers.

alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom