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.
Aidan Johnson, who initially proposed banning bottled water and sugary drinks from city-owned facilities in 2016.
Hamilton Coun.
Brian McHattie first introduced the idea in 2010.
Hamilton’s plan will exempt Tim Horton’s 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 Allan Greenleaf Elementary School and Westdale Secondary School, urged councillors to ban the sale of bottled water.
Sarah Dickson, a McMaster University professor, said that to manufacture a 1litre bottle of water, requires 27 litres of water.
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.”