Transition Erin stepped up its game at the Dec. 16 council meeting here.
Jay Mowat and Liz Armstrong of Transition Erin requested that Town of Erin municipal offices and arenas ban the sale of bottled water and install refilling stations or filter systems to make tap water more accessible.
Ambassadors from Erin Public School (the “Water Rockers”) told council about how they have persuaded 100 per cent of downtown businesses to move to reusable bottles and a majority of Erin students.
Councillor Matt Sammut asked why water was the focus.
“Why do we not take it as far as plastic bottles for pop or juices, etc.?” Sammut questioned.
“Because we can turn on a tap and get water from our taps,” Armstrong said. “It’s a good start.”
Mowat and Armstrong said the refilling stations are unique because they will take a water bottle vertically, with no angling or spilling.
“For myself, the ban, I’m not into banning products and people’s choice,” councillor Jeff Duncan said.
However, he encouraged Transition Erin to continue with successful efforts to educate and persuade the public.
“With regards to the water filling station I think we should refer to our budget process to see what the cost of one or two of those would be … the arena would make sense,” he continued.
Councillor John Brennan said, “I think it is worthwhile having them come back with a complete report that gives us the wherewithal to go forward with confidence rather than making an off the cuff decision right now.”
The proposal was referred to the facilities manager for a report on the costs.
