The Council of Canadians Mid-Island Chapter, Vancouver Island Water Watch and the Canadian Union of Public Employees were successful in having Nanaimo declared a blue community.
The Nanaimo News Bulletin reports, “Bottled water will soon be unavailable at city-owned recreational facilities in an effort to promote the use of municipal water. …Phasing out bottled water has been a gradual process as the parks, recreation and culture department has worked with contractors and vendors to clear out existing inventory. Currently, all plastic water bottles have been removed from vending machines and concessions will no longer sell bottled water.”
“According to the city, community groups hosting events in city facilities or parks are still allowed to provide or sell bottled water but will be encouraged to explore alternatives. At city facilities, users will find clearly marked water fountains and will also be able to purchase reusable water bottles from the front counters of major recreation facilities in the city. Recyclable paper cups will also be available from dispensers located near most fountains. The city will also install signage to remind visitors to bring their own water bottles with them when attending events or programs at city facilities.”
The Daily News adds, “The designation as a Blue Community also includes water provision and protection as a priority in the city’s strategic plan, and means the city has committed to recognizing water as a human right, and will push for publicly owned, financed and operated water and wastewater services as identified in the strategic plan.”
The campaign blog – WIN! Nanaimo becomes a blue community! – can be read at http://canadians.org/blog/?p=16508. This weekend’s news article can be found at http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/178186791.html and http://www.canada.com/Nanaimo+continues+phase+bottles/7530735/story.html.
To learn more about your community becoming a blue community, go to http://canadians.org/bluecommunities.
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