Shop local, support small business and reduce waste. The City and Downtown Courtenay are rolling out the Bring Your Own Cup initiative; a month-long event aimed at reducing single-use items.
From March 29 to April 26, customers who bring a reusable cup when buying a drink at participating downtown Courtenay coffee shops can collect stamps for a chance to win gift cards from local businesses.
The initiative is led by the City of Courtenay in partnership with the Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association to promote sustainable practices. Coffee shops taking part include Bigfoot Donuts, Frankie Jo’s Bakery Café, Freyja – The Croissant Story, Gladstone Brewing Co., Hot Chocolates, Mignon & Kie Café and Eatery, Mudsharks Coffee Bar and The Twisted Mint Café.
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, email a picture of your stamped cards to solidwaste@courtenay.ca by May 3, 2026, or drop them off at City Hall or City Operational Services.
“Every reusable cup makes a difference. By choosing to bring your own, you’re helping keep waste out of our community and supporting local businesses at the same time,” 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 per cent 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 25, just after Earth Day.
For additional details about the Bring Your Own Cup initiative, visit courtenay.ca/recycling.