WHAT is a Blue Community? One that adopts a water commons framework – water belongs to no one and is the responsibility of all – by taking on three actions.

1. Recognizing water as a human right.

2. Promoting publicly financed, owned and operated water and wastewater services.

3. Banning the sale of bottled water in public facilities and at municipal events.

HOW to become a Blue Community?  With Squamish CAN and the community’s encouragement and support, the District of Squamish needs to:

Sign a municipal declaration recognizing water as a human right.

Ban or phase out the sale and purchase of bottled water in municipally owned facilities and at municipal events.

DOS Take Back the Tap January 2011. YEAH!

Pass a resolution or declaration to keep water and wastewater infrastructure in public hands in our community.

WHO is already a Blue Community?

Burnaby, BC … March 22nd 2011 … The FIRST in Canada!

Victoria, BC … June 2011

Tiny, ONT … September 2011 … population just over 10,000!

Ajax, ONT … December 2011 …

North Vancouver, BC  … February 2012

Blue Communities PROJECT … is a joint initiative of the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) to help communities protect the water commons – our shared water resources – in the face of increasing pressure to put water up for sale and privatize water services.

WHY a Blue Community?

Take a look at this Blue Communities Project Guide for the many reasons…

WHERE are we?

Squamish CAN has been in communications with the DOS to hopefully move forward.

CALL TO ACTION!!!  Interested in participating? Questions? Feedback? Suggestions?

Contact Star Morris semorris@uniserve.com t: 604.892.2212