MEDIA RELEASE April 11, 2016

Halton Hills joins the Blue Dot Movement HALTON HILLS, ON – The Town of Halton Hills has endorsed the Blue Dot Movement by signing a “Made-in Halton Hills” motion at a recent Town Council. The Blue Dot Movement encourages municipalities to sign a declaration that recognizes Canadians have the right to live in a healthy environment. The declaration is then forwarded to the Federal Government requesting an amendment to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to include the right for Canadians to live in a healthy environment. The Blue Dot Movement recognizes that a healthy environment includes the right to: • Breathe clean air; • Drink and access clean water; • Eat safe and healthy food; • Access nature; • Know about pollutants and contaminants released into the local environment; and • Participate in decision-making that will affect the environment. “I’m pleased with the enthusiasm that has been generated in our community because of the Blue Dot Movement, said Mayor Rick Bonnette “I would like to thank the students from Acton High School who embraced the Blue Dot Movement and recognized the importance of this initiative. Our Town Sustainability Implementation Committee also endorsed the Blue Dot Movement. It is clear that this Movement is important to people of all ages as well as that it will contribute to improving our quality of life in Halton Hills.” Council took a “Made-in Halton Hills” approach to support the Blue Dot Movement. The Town’s declaration reflects and acknowledges Halton Hills’ long-standing commitment to the environmental health and sustainability of the community. This commitment is recognized in the Town’s Strategic Plan, Official Plan, Community Sustainability Strategy and numerous other Town strategies, plans and initiatives. Individuals can also register on the Blue Dot Movement website. According to the Blue Dot Movement website, more than 95,000 Canadians have already joined and 130 municipalities have passed declarations recognizing the right to clean air and water, as well as safe food and a stable climate. To browse the full report and the Made-in Halton Hills motion endorsing the Blue Dot Movement, please visit: www.haltonhills.ca/calendars/2016/PI-2016-0005.pdf

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For more information on the Town’s sustainability initiatives visit: http://www.haltonhills.ca/sustainability/index.php For more information on the Blue Dot Movement visit: http://bluedot.ca/ About the Town of Halton Hills The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 60,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto. The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine.

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For further information contact: Jennifer Spence Sustainability Outreach Officer Planning and Infrastructure 905-873-2601, ext. 2290 [email protected]