by Laura Brougham April 20, 2026 1:26 pm Updated April 21, 2026 5:18 pm
Tofino is making a big move on Earth Day, with its single-use plastic water bottle ban coming into effect.
The bylaw passed in August 2025, but the plan was to make it effective April 22, or Earth Day, to give time for businesses to prepare.
“This is a big deal, it’s an extension of our plastic waste bans that have been pushing the boundaries,” Tofino Mayor Dan Law told CHEK News. “Protecting the health of our coastlines requires more than just words—it requires a collective shift in how we live and do business,”
Tofino is the first municipality in Canada implementing this ban, which includes all water bottles of a size of one litre or less.
“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,” said Law.
The district says single-use water bottles are among the most common items found in local waterways during shoreline cleanups.
Lilly Woodbury is the regional manager for the non-profit Surfrider Foundation which led the charge for these changes and has taken part in many beach cleanups on the West Coast.
She says one item you’ll always find is plastic water bottles.
“We started Take Back the Tap campaign back in 2020 because single-use plastic water bottles were one of the most common single-use plastics we were collecting, especially during remote shoreline cleanups. We removed tens of thousands of plastic water bottles from the shoreline,” she said.
“Tla-o-qui-aht is excited to take these steps with our partners,” Saya Masso, natural resources manager with Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, said in a news release.
“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.”
Tofino notes that many local businesses had already taken steps to reduce single-use plastic water bottles even before the bylaw had passed, which “helped ensure a smooth, well-supported transition throughout the community.”
Businesses can request a “Free Water Refills Here” decal through Tofino to display in their storefront.
The bylaw includes exemptions for bottles that are sold in packaged multiples or flats, during declared emergencies and during water conservation stage three.
“Yeah, I am excited. It’s Earth Day tomorrow and the more victories that we have the more hope we can instill in people to continue winning victories for people and the planet, so yeah, I’m stoked and there’s more work to do as always,” said Woodbury.
Pop and juice bottles could be next, but water is the first step, she says, because it can be refilled for free in many places including new refilling stations around the district.
Visitors are encouraged to take refillable bottles when visiting Tofino.
