Public hearings set for ban on plastic bags

October 5, 2012 · 0 Comments

TORONTO
Toronto’s looming ban on plastic bags has divided the city. Retailers are by and large hopping mad about the ban going through without much public consultation. But now as of January 1st, the public will have the chance to put forward their views on the issue.
Citizens are invited to make five-minute deputations at council’s public works and infrastructure committee at city hall on November 14th.
Some people may make recommendations that would call for the phasing in of the ban, allowing retailers to use up their existing stocks and making clear the kinds of plastic bags covered under the ban.
Meanwhile in a belated move, city staff will fan out across the city where they will meet retailers to understand their opposition or concerns with regard to the ban which caught them off guard.
Back in June, City council voted 24-20 in favour of the ban.
City council voted 24-20 for the ban in June, and reaffirmed that wish by declining to reopen the issue at council Wednesday.
The city said it wanted the public to give its inputs on the specifics of a draft bylaw implementing the ban.
The bylaw is then expected to go to city council meeting of Nov 27-28th where it will be enacted. However, the council would have the option to defeat the bylaw by a simple majority vote which would mean, no bylaw. The public on the other hand may wonder why they should even bother to give recommendations that may never be taken in the first place.