MY STORY
Hi, I’m Robyn Hamlyn — the Water Warrior.
I’m from Kingston, Ontario, and my journey as a water activist began when I was just 12 years old. In Grade 7, my teacher showed our class a documentary called Blue Gold: World Water Wars. I was stunned to learn that millions of people around the world struggle to access clean water — and that one day, this crisis could affect us all.
I went home and told my mom we had to do something. She encouraged me to write to our mayor. I did — and to my surprise, when we returned from vacation, we had a message waiting: Mayor Gerretsen wanted to meet with me.
Excited but determined to make it count, I reached out to the film’s director, Sam Bozzo, for advice. He connected me with Maude Barlow, a leading Canadian activist and Chairperson of the Council of Canadians. She suggested I ask the mayor to make Kingston a Blue Community — a city that recognizes water as a human right and keeps water services publicly owned.
In September 2011, I presented to Kingston’s city council. To my amazement, they passed the resolution that very night. I was overjoyed — but I knew this was just the beginning.
Since then, I’ve met with 29 mayors, presented to 34 city councils, and delivered over 50 talks at schools, events, and conferences. I’ve worked to inspire people of all ages to protect freshwater and push for stronger water protections across Canada.
My dream is to see every community in Canada become a Blue Community.
My journey started with Blue Gold. What will inspire yours?
“I am only one; but I am one. I cannot do everything; but I can do something;
what I can do, I ought to do; and what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.”
Remember that it doesn’t matter how old you are or what your background is,
we can all make a positive change in our world!