Have Your Say

The City of Niagara Falls is inviting residents to share their feedback through a brief survey on whether the ban on the sale of single-use plastic beverage bottles at City-owned facilities should be maintained.

Background

Since 2009, the City of Niagara Falls has prohibited the sale of single-use plastic beverage bottles at City-owned buildings, recreation centres, and facilities - a decision supported by the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee and the Environmental Action Committee.

Residents are still welcome to bring their own bottles (including plastic) for personal use. The ban only applies to the sale of plastic beverage bottles at City facilities and events run by the City.

Why It Matters

Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing communities today. In Canada, over three million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, and less than 9% of it is recycled.

The number of plastic bottles saved by a refillable water station varies by location's usage, but in the Niagara region, a mobile water station at various events has dispensed the equivalent of 1.5 million single-use plastic bottles over 10 years. A single, permanent water bottle filling station can eliminate the need for an average of 15,000 bottles annually.

Single-use plastic beverage containers significantly contribute to this issue, often ending up in landfills, parks, and waterways, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose, harming wildlife and releasing microplastics into the environment.

By maintaining this ban, the City continues to demonstrate leadership in environmental sustainability and reducing plastic waste.

To support residents and visitors, the City has installed water filling stations at nearly all municipal and recreation facilities, including:

  • Chippawa Willoughby Arena
  • City Hall
  • E.E. Mitchelson Park
  • Gale Centre Arena
  • Kalar Sportsplex
  • MacBain Community Centre
  • M.F. Ker Park
  • Niagara Falls History Museum
  • The Niagara Falls Exchange
  • Oakes Park
  • Patrick Cummings Park

Water filling stations are also available at outdoor parks and sports fields, and drinking fountain guards are being added to improve hygiene and safety.

At City-run events, where refill stations are not available, City staff provide water jugs or coordinate with Niagara Region’s Water Wagon, which supplies thousands of litres of free municipal drinking water.

Local vendors operating in City facilities have also adapted, offering water in eco-friendly alternatives such as tetra packs or refillable bottles.

Niagara’s municipal drinking water is among the highest quality in Ontario, earning 100% compliance ratings for the past five years and national recognition for taste and safety.

Tap water in Niagara Falls is tested monthly at City facilities and annually inspected by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Through programs like Blue W (which helps residents find refill locations city-wide) and the City’s status as a Blue Community, Niagara Falls continues to promote public access to safe, clean, publicly owned drinking water.

Maintaining the ban on plastic bottle sales supports the City and Council's Strategic Plan pillar of Environmental Sustainability and The Climate Adaptation Plan, which prioritizes environmental sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Reconfirming this ban reinforces the City’s commitment to:

  • Reducing waste and pollution
  • Conserving natural resources
  • Promoting sustainable alternatives
  • Leading by example in environmental stewardship

Have Your Say

City Council is reviewing the long-standing ban and wants to hear your thoughts.

Should Niagara Falls continue to uphold the ban on the sale of single-use plastic beverage bottles at City facilities?

Your input will help inform Council’s upcoming decision.

Share your feedback in a short survey!

Deadline to complete: Friday, December 5