HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIN-08-091 - Bottled Water AlternativesReport To: Finance and Corporate Services Committee
Date of Meeting: June 9, 2008
Submitted By: Pauline Houston, General Manager of Community Services
Prepared By: Tammy Gerber, Marketing Strategist, 741-2628
Wards}Involved: N/A
Date of Report: June 2, 2008
Report No.: FIN-08-091
Subject: BOTTLED WATER ALTERNATIVES
RECOMMENDATION:
That therefore be it resolved that the Council of the City of Kitchener direct staff to
develop a strategy as soon as possible to eliminate the purchase and sale of bottled
water in all its facilities where practical and that steps be taken to further raise the
awareness of why tap water is safe, economical and environmentally friendly;
And that effective immediately we no longer serve or offer bottled water at our General
Committee, Council or any other Committee or Public Meetings at Kitchener City Hall.
BACKGROUND:
The recommendation was discussed with internal staff and received Senior Leadership Team
Committee (SLT) endorsement to proceed to Council.
Other Regional bottled water bans:
City of Cambridge -has presented the same motion to their Council. The motion was deferred
"to allow staff the opportunity to comment on its' potential impact on various City Departments
and Facilities".
Region of Waterloo - Is considering banning the sale and use of bottled water at Waterloo
Regional facilities and functions. Council deferred the issue to staff for more information.
Waterloo Region Public School Board -Effective September 2009, will stop buying and
selling bottled water in schools.
REPORT:
Kitchener Utilities feels it is important to promote tap water to City of Kitchener residents.
Kitchener tap water is safe to drink, is the most economical choice and is the environmentally
friendly choice. We would like the City of Kitchener to be a leader in promoting tap water to
residents of Kitchener.
Kitchener Utilities will develop a strategy to implement the recommendation through a staff team
with cross representation from across the City, while recognizing there will be some challenges
i.e. necessity at golf courses; safety precaution -heat stress related; taste preferences.
A recommendation on the strategy will be brought back to Council in September.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
If approved, the financial implication will be a reduction in costs to City of Kitchener. Tap water
is much more economical than the alternative, bottled water. Although, City of Kitchener
Enterprises that currently sell bottled water for profit could experience a revenue reduction if
they support the bottled water alternative recommendation.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Kitchener Utilities will work with Communications to develop an internal communications plan to
promote tap water usage to City of Kitchener staff.
Kitchener Utilities will develop a Communications plan to promote Kitchener tap water to the
residents of Kitchener. Multiple media's will be utilized including websites, bill inserts, and Your
Kitchener and Natural Comforts publications.
CONCLUSION:
As the water provider to City of Kitchener residents, we continually promote that drinking water
is a safe, economical and the environmentally friendly option. The intentions of the
recommendation are to promote tap water to Kitchener residents.
Tammy Gerber
Marketing Strategist
Pauline Houston, CA
General Manager of Financial Services
& City Treasurer
Wally Malcolm
Director Utilities