Image Credit: CFJC Today

By James Peters

Plastic bag ban

City of Kamloops staff pledge to review court decision after Victoria plastic bag ban struck down

Jul 11, 2019 | 4:40 PM

KAMLOOPS — City of Kamloops staff say it’s too soon to say whether a court decision quashing Victoria’s plastic bag bylaw will alter the development of a similar bylaw for the Tournament Capital.

In a decision announced today favouring the Canadian Plastic Bag Association, the B.C. Court of Appeal says the City of Victoria should have consulted with the province’s environment minister before enacting a bylaw prohibiting single-use plastic bags.

That overturned a previous B.C. Supreme Court decision in favour of Victoria.

Earlier this week, Kamloops city staff told council they are modelling a potential plastic bag ban in Kamloops after Victoria’s bylaw.

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Speaking to CFJC Today, Sustainability Services Supervisor Glen Cheetham says council directed to staff to consult with the public about the Kamloops bylaw, and that will still happen.

“We are currently in the process of developing our bylaw. As per direction from council, we are going to continue to engage with the Kamloops community on this topic,” said Cheetham. “Obviously, we are going to review the decision and explore potential options to continue to go forward with our plans.”

Cheetham told council Tuesday his department plans to have the draft bylaw back before them in November, with planned implementation next spring. Thursday, Cheetham said he’s not sure whether the Court of Appeal decision will stretch that timeline.

“At this point, I don’t believe so,” said Cheetham. “But again, we need to have an opportunity to review the decision. I guess as the options emerge, it will become clear to us if it will be any impact on timelines.”

The City of Victoria has not yet revealed whether it plans to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Canada.