Finding processing solutions to plastic bags is an administrative issue and not a social engineering exercise.
The City of Ottawa just replaced its contract with its green bin contractor, and they were able to provide plastic bag pickup in their green bin at a cost of 15 cents per month per household. Why are our city government and administrators not able to achieve the same result in Qualicum instead of turning to a social engineering exercise?
I find it disturbing that with the last census population count of 8,943 and private residence count at 4,644, council sees fit to pass first reading of a bylaw based upon a long-promoted campaign receiving a mere 159 responses in favor of a bag ban in the face of 4,534 non responding households or 8,784 non responding residents.
If they want to institute bylaws sponsored by a few activists, they need to address this in a much wider and more closely controlled format, such as referendum or simple choice at election time.
Ottawa = 15 cents per month; QB = 5 cents for every new and sterile bag.
Gordon Olafsen
Qualicum Beach