Tofino to become first Canadian municipality to ban single-use water bottles this week

This week, the District of Tofino will become the first Canadian municipality in history to ban the sale of all single-use water bottles. 

The implementation of the amended Single-Use Item Regulation Bylaw will officially come into effect on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22nd. 

According to the District, single-use plastic bottles have long been among the most common items found tossed aside in local waterways and during shoreline cleanups. 

Because of their prevalence, Tofino’s council moved to adopt the amendment to their single-use waste bylaws, which was then adopted in August 2025. 

Since the amendment was adopted, the District has been working alongside Surfrider Foundation, Tourism Tofino and the Tofino Chamber of Commerce to support local businesses and visitors through a coordinated education and outreach campaign.

Surfrider is especially noteworthy because of their efforts to keep waterways and beaches clean of waste, especially plastic. 

“Protecting the health of our coastlines requires more than just words—it requires a collective shift in how we live and do business,” said Tofino Mayor Dan Law. “This bylaw reflects Tofino’s shared values and our community’s proven desire to lead the way in reducing plastic pollution.”

“By building on the groundwork laid by Surfrider, the proactive leadership of our local businesses, and our enduring respect for Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation stewardship, we are embracing a ‘refill and reuse’ culture to protect the environment we all share.” 

According to the District, the bylaw will take full effect after an eight-month transition period that is meant to give local businesses time to sell existing inventory.

Despite the eight month window, many businesses in Tofino have already made a switch by offering alternatives to plastic, such as aluminum bottles. 

The District is reminding residents that they will continue to have access to high-quality, safe drinking water through public facilities and water filling stations throughout the community. 

Local businesses who are able to refill water for passersby can also request “Free Water Refills Here” decals to display on their storefronts, in order to help build a visible and accessible refill culture throughout Tofino.