Tofino, or Načiks as it’s called in Nuu-chah-nulth language, is located within the territory of Canada’s Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. The town’s drinking water is sourced from rain-fed creeks and old-growth forests on Meares Island, an area protected by ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Tribal Parks.
By summer 2026, Tofino visitors and locals won’t be able to buy single-use plastic water bottles under one litre from any Tofino business following an Aug. 26 landmark decision from mayor and council to adopt a plastic water bottle regulation bylaw.
There are exemptions to the rule, of course.
Mobility/accessibility cases are exempt. People can still purchase water bottles sold in packaged multiples or flats.
If a State of Emergency is declared at the local, provincial, or federal level and the Emergency Operation Centre is activated, single-use plastic water bottles will be on hand; the same applies when Stage 3 water conservation measures are announced.
