The summer goal ensures retailers have enough time to prepare, while still having the bylaw implemented before next fall.

"What we're seeing here on the ground is that Saint John is indeed ready for this," says Ward 3 Coun. David Hickey.

Bringing your own reusable bags when going shopping is "the best way to protect our environment," the province says.

A ban on single-use plastic bags is now in effect in Greater Moncton

Nova Scotia government expected to deliver updates on the plastic bag ban in the coming weeks.

Nova Scotia, however, is still moving ahead with the end of October for its plastic bag ban.

Regina City Councillor Bob Hawkins' motion to draft a plastic bag ban bylaw passed unanimously Wednesday.

In a setback for the zero-waste movement, single-use plastics are seeing a resurgence during the new coronavirus pandemic.

While Plante didn't set an exact date for the new bylaw to come into effect, she said: "It must be done in 2020."

Some stores, including Sobeys and local Home Hardware shops, are preparing months in advance, already removing the bags from rotation.