Prince Albert is a provincial trend setter.

It is the first community in Saskatchewan to ban single-use plastic bags.

City Council has unanimously approved the bylaw which will be enforced after a six month adjustment period beginning August 1st.

The city proposed the ban estimating Prince Albert residents have been using millions annually and because the international market for scrap plastic is shrinking considerably.

Plastic bags will still be allowed for produce, meat, unpackaged baked and bulk items as well as live fish and dry cleaning.

The sale of zipper storage and garbage bags will also be permitted.

Retailers caught using single-use plastic bags after August 1st could face fines of up to 1-thousand dollars.