For Immediate Release: April 20, 2026

The District of Tofino will mark Earth Day on April 22, 2026, with the official implementation of its amended Single-Use Item Regulation Bylaw, making Tofino the first municipality in Canada to prohibit the sale of single-use plastic water bottles one litre and less. Single-use plastic bottles remain among the most common items found in local waterways and during shoreline cleanups, making them a clear priority for action.

Adopted by Council in August 2025, the regulation reflects Tofino’s long-standing commitment to environmental leadership and community-based solutions to plastic pollution. The bylaw takes effect after an eight-month transition period, giving local businesses time to sell existing inventory and adjust ordering practices.

Even prior to the bylaw’s adoption, many businesses in Tofino were already leading by example by offering alternatives to plastic - such as aluminum bottles - and offering free refill stations. This early leadership helped ensure a smooth, well-supported transition throughout the community.

Since adopting the amendment, the District has worked closely with Surfrider Foundation, Tourism Tofino, and the Tofino Chamber of Commerce to support local businesses and visitors through a coordinated education and outreach campaign.

Residents and visitors will continue to have access to safe, high-quality drinking water through public facilities, local businesses offering free refills, and accommodation providers. As part of the community-wide shift toward refill and reuse, businesses can request "Free Water Refills Here” decals to display on their storefronts, helping build a visible and accessible refill culture throughout Tofino.

ABOUT THE REGULATION
The amendment to the Single-Use Item Regulation Bylaw prohibits the sale of plastic water bottles one litre and less, with exemptions for:

• Bottles sold in packaged multiples or flats
• Declared emergencies
• Water Conservation Stage 3

The regulation builds on Tofino’s longstanding efforts to reduce single-use plastics, including previous bans on bags, straws, utensils, and polystyrene foam containers.

QUOTES
“Protecting the health of our coastlines requires more than just words—it requires a collective shift in how we live and do business. 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.” – Dan Law, Mayor, District of Tofino

“Tla-o-qui-aht is excited to take these steps with our partners. Our Nation participates in ocean activities and earns a living from the bounty of the ocean. It is important that we always take the best steps to ensure that the ocean and its resources are safeguarded from human impacts.” – Saya Masso, Natural Resources Manager, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation

“Plastic water bottles are consistently one of the most common items we find during shoreline clean-ups, which shows just how urgent this issue is. Tofino has demonstrated that communities can take meaningful action by building systems that support refill and reuse. We encourage residents everywhere to speak up, contact their local councils, and ask for similar measures in their own communities. If we want to reduce plastic pollution at its source, we need more municipalities to follow this example and help create a culture where refilling, not throwing away, becomes the norm.” – Lilly Woodbury, Regional Manager, Surfrider Foundation Canada

“Sustainability is central to the Tofino experience. Visitors come here because they value our natural environment, and many are eager to travel responsibly. This initiative supports those values and helps ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this place.” – Samantha Hackett, Executive Director, Tourism Tofino

“This bylaw reflects the leadership already shown by Tofino businesses to reduce waste, offer refill stations, and provide alternative packaging. By cutting plastic waste, we are protecting the very environment that draws visitors and drives our local economy. It has already generated positive attention for our community and further positions Tofino as an environmental leader in Canada. This initiative demonstrates how environmental responsibility and a strong local economy can move forward together.” – Graydon Clerk, Executive Director, Tofino Chamber of Commerce