Shop local, support small businesses and reduce waste. The City and Downtown Courtenay are launching a "Bring Your Own Cup" initiative, a month-long event aimed at reducing single-use items. From March 29 to April 26, when you buy a drink at your favourite downtown Courtenay coffee shop, bring a reusable cup for a chance to win some exciting prizes.

The "Bring Your Own Cup" initiative is led by the City of Courtenay in partnership with the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association to promote sustainable practices. Collect stamps from participating coffee shops for a chance to win gift cards from local businesses.

Participating coffee shops within downtown Courtenay include Bigfoot Donuts, Blue Spruce Ice Cream, Frankie Jo鈥檚 Bakery Caf茅, Freyja 鈥� The Croissant Story, Hot Chocolates, Mignon & Kie Caf茅 and Eatery, Mudsharks Coffee Bar and The Twisted Mint Caf茅.

Each shop will provide branded cards and stamps to customers who bring their reusable cups. One cup equals one stamp. The more stamps collected, the greater the chances of winning.

To enter the draw, just email a picture of your stamped cards to solidwaste@courtenay.ca by May 3, 2025.  Alternatively, participants can drop off stamped cards at City Hall or City Operational Services.

鈥淭he best cup for the environment? The one you鈥檙e holding. Join the City and downtown Courtenay this spring to reduce, reuse and recycle,鈥� said Chris Thompson, Manager of Public Works Operations at the City of Courtenay.

Canadians discard an estimated 1.5 billion single-use cups annually, contributing to over 400 million tonnes of waste each year, with less than 10% being recycled. The "Bring Your Own Cup" initiative aims to reduce this environmental impact by fostering a culture of reuse and sustainability. This effort aligns with the City's broader waste reduction goals and precedes a Community Clean-Up Event on April 26, just after Earth Day.

For additional details about the "Bring Your Own Cup" initiative, please visit .