Port Hawkesbury Town Council voted against a motion asking for a one-year pause to a bottled
water ban.
In a 3-1 vote, councillors voted against a motion from Deputy Mayor Jason Aucoin requesting the sale and purchase of bottled water resume for the next year, during last night’s regular monthly meeting.
Aucoin said he was approached by those who work at town facilities that members of the public have been asking to purchase bottled water, and some are uncomfortable using the town’s refill stations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pointing out that the current policy allows for the sale of flavoured water, carbonated water, or pop, but not spring water, Aucoin said this does a disservice to young athletes and visitors.
Town Councillor Blaine MacQuarrie recalled that the reason the ban was introduced approximately 15 years ago was because bottled water, in particular, litters landfills, and the filling station was a good way to promote the town’s water, which is considered among the safest in the province.
The deputy mayor responded that MacQuarrie was talking out of both sides of his mouth by claiming concern for the environment, yet allowing the sale of other plastic bottles.
MacQuarrie replied that the amount of water bottles going to landfills is “astronomical” which is why municipalities across the country have banned their use.
Town Councillor Hughie MacDougall said one of the biggest reasons for the ban was to let the public know about their high quality water. He said he understands Aucoin’s concerns about the continued sale of sugary drinks, but those types of beverages do not compete with town water like bottled water does.
In making the motion, Aucoin noted that bottled water is available at nearby facilities like the Al MacInnis Sports Centre in Port Hood, where the municipal water is also of good quality.
The motion was denied with Aucoin as the lone vote, and Town Councillors Mark MacIver, MacQuarrie, and MacDougall voting against.
In the absence of an actual policy, Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton recommended that council consider a bylaw, and she suggested this be discussed at the next meeting of the town’s Policy and Bylaw Committee.
MacIver agreed with MacQuarrie’s suggestion that a draft policy be reviewed at the next committee of the whole.