MONTREAL - The City of Montreal announced Monday it is moving to ban single-use plastic bags starting Jan. 1, 2018.

READ MORE: Brossard unanimously adopts bylaw banning plastic bags

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre made the announcement alongside Réal Ménard, executive committee member responsible for the environment.

"We're working towards sustainable development and improving the quality of life of Montrealers," explained Coderre.

"We're still encouraging people to use reusable bags, or stronger bags, which many people are already doing."

Coderre explained the city is banning the bags following a recommendation from a municipal committee.

The decision comes less than a week after the South Shore city of Brossard unanimously voted to ban plastic bags.

The ban applies to lightweight plastic bags used in grocery and retail stores.

READ MORE: Plastic industry wants Brossard to back off proposed shopping bag ban

"These bags are less than 50 microns and have an impact on our ecosystems because they take a long time to break down," said Ménard.

READ MORE: Retailers urge Brossard to back down on plastic bag ban

The plastic bag industry has fought back, arguing the bags don't hurt the environment because 93 per cent of them are recycled.