Almost at a loss for words

So those of you heading to Riverside Park today might want to rethink your choice of beverage containers.

The Rotary Club of Guelph has banned bottled water from being brought to, or sold at, Guelph's annual Canada Day celebration.

But that's okay, because they're selling reusable aluminum water bottles for "only $10," according to the event's website.

Does anyone else find this outrageous?

I can only imagine the problems this will cause when people show up with their kids and are told they can't enter the park with water, but can spend 10 bucks for an aluminum bottle.

The initiative is being undertaken, the website states, "to help the environment and to raise money for Rotary charities."

The Rotarians will be providing "unlimited refills," which means either that they're using bottled water themselves, or they're giving us back our own tap water and claiming that as a selling point.

This could cause the biggest Canada Day kerfuffle since Frank Sinatra's 'New York, New York' was played during the fireworks finale back in 2000.

Comments

[TCWriter]

>>or they're giving us back our own tap water and claiming that as a selling point.<<

Uhh, what do you think bottled water is?

At least you're getting it for free from Rotary (you can always bring your own container), which is a better option than buying your own water in plastic bottles for your whole family.

[A-Paul-ing!!!]

TCWriter:

When did Rotary take control of City Parks, or in this case one park?
But then the Mayor is a member of Rotary! Is this another back room deal
I suggest that people take their own water containers, and charge Rotary workers with theft when they try to take them away. After all, what is their authority for seizing private property?
Wouldn't that put Guelph on the map!!!

"Appy Bird-day Kan-a-da"

[The Proff]

I guess that's why it's called a $$ GREEN $$ program!

[j dimontino]

Yes, this is outrageous. I'm very surprised the Rotary club went as far as a ban, as opposed to just "suggesting" that people bring their own refillable containers or purchase one for the fundraiser. That would have been more appropriate. What about other soft drink containers, the contents of which are predominantly water anyways? This witch-hunt against bottled water is becoming a farce. Me, I'm all for refillable containers, but if someone wishes to purchase a legally-produced and sold bottle of water (and hope they have the good sense to recycle or reuse the container), then that's their choice and their right. If we, as a society, are that dead-set against bottled water, then let's elect a government with a clear mandate to shut the industry down and throw all the employees onto the EI rolls - who needs their tax money and their jobs anyways, right? Rotary Club, I've always supported you and always will, but for crying out loud, get a grip! A-Paul-ing does have a point - does the Rotary club have the authority to deny park entry to someone who happens to be carrying a bottle of water? This could be a big juicy can of worms being opened here.

[Edward Pickersgill]

Looks like it'll be rained out anyway so the potential "kerfuffle" will likely kerfizzle into a damp kerdrizzle.

[Leonard]

Yes, this is outrageious and one has to wonder why Rotary bought into this. A-Paul-ing likely has it right.
Did Rotary also ban bottled pop, bottled juice and bottled beer? Did they ban mothers from bringing bottled milk to suckle their newborn? Did they serve keg beer to people in their own mugs, aluminum containers or bowls or do they just let people dip it out of a trough?
If indeed bottled juice and pop was available, what message does this send to kids and parents? That water is bad and sugar drinks are best! j dimontino's idea that it be "suggested" is reasonable.
Hypocrits! Outrageous! Just plain stupid!

[Bill]

I brought a refillable plastic water bottle today and had no problem getting into the park. My refillable bottle was formerly a bottled water bottle, which I happily refilled twice during the day. Obviously, Rotarians are capable of reasoned thought. Their heart is in the right place.

[j dimontino]

Thanks Bill, I wasn't able to make it tonight, so I'm relieved to hear that reason prevailed (as I suspected it would, since all Rotarians I know are very level-headed people).