Board backs limiting soda pop, bottled water
Hamilton’s Board of Health will significantly reduce the availability of bottled water and sugary drinks at all recreation facilities and arenas over the next three years.
In a 6-3 vote, members supported a recommendation crafted by public health officials that will “increase healthy food and beverage choices” as part of an action plan that will be overseen until 2021.
“We do need to be sustainable,” said Ward 1 Coun. Aidan Johnson, who initially proposed banning bottled water and sugary drinks from city-owned facilities in 2016. “We are within our mandate.”
Johnson said banning bottled water would benefit the climate, reduce the amount of water and energy needed to create a bottle of water, and help to eliminate plastic.
About 80 Canadian municipalities have restricted the use of bottled water. The City of Toronto imposed a ban on bottled water that included parks, recreation facilities and civic centres. Former Hamilton councillor Brian McHattie first introduced the idea in 2010.
Hamilton’s plan will exempt Tim Hortons Field, golf courses and concession operations that are operated by volunteers. Although volunteers will be “encouraged” to eliminate the sale of bottled water and sugary drinks by city staff.
The Board of Health’s recommendations still have to be voted on at Hamilton council May 23.
A number of people, including students from Westdale Secondary School and Allan Greenleaf Elementary School in Waterdown, urged councillors to ban the sale of bottled water.
Sarah Dickson, a McMaster University professor, said that to manufacture a one-litre bottle of water requires 27 litres of water.
The Canadian Beverage Association has stated that plastic bottles are made with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a material that is “easily” recyclable. The association has stated that bottle water “does not compete with tap water” and that “the majority of Canadians drink tap water at home and bottled water on the go.”
Public health officials don’t know how much revenue the city could lose with the decision, but on average Hamilton receives about $22,000 from bottled water and $44,000 from sugary drinks annually. The city sells about 16,000 bottles of water annually through concessions and vending machines.
Under the three-year action plan, public health staff will make sure that sugary drinks are not displayed more prominently than water. In addition, the city’s beverage contract expires in 2021 and staff will examine alternative healthy beverage options such as plain or unsweetened milk. In addition, the city will begin selling reusable water bottles and establish “strategic pricing” to promote healthier food choices.
There are water fountains and water refill stations at all 45 recreation centres and arenas in the city, with the exceptions of Beverly, Glanbrook and at the Senior Achievement Centre in Ancaster. Those facilities use a well for their water consumption.
Ward 8 Coun. Terry Whitehead had a problem with the city assuming parental responsibilities for all children.
He wanted staff to conduct a survey of people who use recreation facilities about their opinions about limiting the sale of bottled water and sugary drinks.
“We are taking the rights of parents out of their hands,” said Whitehead. “You’ve got to stay open-minded.”