On September 23 at a meeting of Synod Council, Council of Canadians Chairperson John Cartwright presented Bishop William Cliff, Synod Delegate Valerie Smith and Diocesan Executive Officer Archdeacon Jane Humphreys with a certificate recognizing the Diocese of Ontario as a ‘Blue Community.’
On January 28, 2025, the Diocese of Ontario officially became a ‘Blue Community’ which involves formally committing to three guiding principles: recognizing water as a human right, ensuring water and wastewater services remain publicly owned, and eliminating bottled water at events to protect aquifers. This movement began in cities and has expanded to include universities, colleges, and faith communities around the world. Canada leads the way, with over 100 Blue Communities—including Kingston—actively promoting sustainable water practices. Faith organizations are increasingly engaged, with parishes like Saint Mary Magdalene in Napanee preparing to approach their local town hall to confirm public control of water systems, especially amid a proposed $75 million expansion. Advocates are encouraging other churches to take similar steps, reinforcing the idea that water is a shared resource, not a commodity.
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