Calgary Council Votes to Repeal Single-Use Items Bylaw in Response to Public Pushback

Calgary City Council has voted to repeal its single-use items bylaw just two weeks after it went into effect in response to “overwhelming” public criticism. The single-use bylaw came into effect Jan. 16, setting a 15-cent fee for paper bags and requiring restaurants, cafes, and drive-thrus to ask customers if they want single-use items like cutlery and napkins. In a 10–5 vote on Jan. 30, the council backed a motion by Coun. Jennifer Wyness to hold a public hearing to consider repealing the bylaw. The move came after hours of discussion and proposed amendments from other councillors. The motion calls for a new plan and report to be submitted to the council by March 31, but the bylaw will remain in effect until a public hearing is held to discuss its repeal. City officials estimated the single-use items rules and fees are likely to remain in place until at least May....