Item - 2017.PE19.5

The Parks and Environment Committee:

1.  Requested the General Manager, Parks Forestry and Recreation, in consultation with the Executive Director, Facilities Management; the General Manager, Toronto Water; the General Manager, Solid Waste Management Services and the Medical Officer of Health, to report to the September 8, 2017 meeting of the Parks and Environment Committee on:

a.  the implementation of the Bottled Water Policy in Toronto parks and park facilities, and its progress installing water bottle filling stations; and

b. any recommendations for improving access to Toronto tap water at special events in City parks and park facilities for consideration through the 2018 budget process.

At its December 1-3 2008 meeting, Toronto City Council approved a policy to phase out the sale and distribution of bottled water in city facilities. The following clause was approved: "authorize appropriate staff to prohibit plastic water bottle sales at each City facility upon completion of improved access to tap water at all City facilities as water bottle sales are phased out, having due regard to existing and unique public health and safety related situations and authorized special events in City facilities, by December 31, 2011."

The policy envisioned a phased implementation based on increasing the availability of water in our facilities.  In 2012, Council requested an update.  At that time, 138 parks and facilities had been exempt from the policy because there was inadequate access to drinking water, or had contracts that allowed bottled water.  Parks Forestry and Recreation reported to Council in February 2013, recommending installation of 10 new water bottle filling stations per year.  We have not had a report since then on the status of these installations.

Toronto Water has Water Trucks that are available for Special Events.  The Division has purchased another truck; however, there are still not enough to meet the demand across the City. 

As well, the City has adopted an ambitious Long Term Waste Management Strategy that gives highest priority to reducing waste.  Recently Council voted to exempt large events in our Civic Centres from the Water Bottle Policy. We need to make sure that water is available through filling stations and other means for these events. Our City needs to take action to ensure that we are reducing waste and embedding these objectives in our policies and practices, and in our own facilities.