Editor,
I read with interest the letter to the editor submitted by Kimberley Armour that appeared in the Oct. 1, edition of The Squamish Chief entitled, "Support bottled water ban."
While I typically avoid "he said/she said" discussions in the opinion section of local newspapers, I find it necessary to set the record straight regarding some of the views expressed by Ms. Armour in her correspondence.
Nestlé Waters Canada is concerned about the District of Squamish's apparent decision to ban the sale of bottled water in its facilities as a matter of principle. The Company does not sell its bottled waters in vending machines and, thus, is unlikely to do business directly with the municipality.
It primarily sells its products in grocery and convenience stores. We are expressing our viewpoint because we believe the residents of Squamish have every right to purchase the beverage of their choice for hydration wherever they may be - unimpeded by well-meaning but misinformed local governments, environmental activists or competing commercial interests.
Further, Ms. Armour's inference that money spent on bottled water represents an investment that is not being made in municipal water and sewer infrastructure repair is illogical.
The citizens of Squamish pay local, provincial and federal taxes, partly so that government at all levels will invest in water and sewer infrastructure maintenance.
After paying their taxes, local residents spend what's left on numerous consumer items, including bottled water.
They do not spend money on bottled water at the expense of tap water. In fact, a study conducted in October 2006 by A.C. Nielsen indicated that 95 per cent of the movement to bottled water is due to a shift from other bottled beverages, most notably soft drinks, sweetened juices, tea and milk.
Finally, the Nestlé Pure Life bottled water available to Squamish residents comes from deep springs on Nestlé Waters Canada property in Hope, British Columbia -- not from a municipal source, as Ms. Armour states.
John B. Challinor II
Director of corporate affairs
Nestlé Waters Canada
