Student Action

Canada: U of W bans bottled water

Winnipeg Sun. By Paul Turenne -

The University of Winnipeg has become the first university in Canada to announce it is banning the sale of bottled water from its campus.

The university made the announcement this morning following a student referendum last week, where nearly 75% of voters supported the ban.

"We're very proud of the fact that they're showing such generational leadership," said U of W president Lloyd Axworthy. "We're very pleased to associate ourselves with this decision."

The plan is to cease sales of bottled water in vending machines and cafeterias across the campus by the time the fall session begins in September.

In the mean time, the university will conduct an audit of its potable water system to ensure that all tap and fountain water is safe, clean and not distasteful or discoloured, and that there are enough fountains, taps and refill stations to meet the demand.

The university estimates that more than 38,000 bottles of water are now sold on its campus every year.

Stephanie Chartrand, environmental ethics director with the U of W Students Association, said the student organization, with the support of the Canadian Federation of Students, will provide every first-year student with a free, reusable water bottle when they begin classes this fall.