Town of Oakville Commits to Earth Hour Goal
Oakville residents, businesses and organizations encouraged to sign up
Oakville, March 4, 2009 - For Immediate Release
Town Council unanimously accepted this year's international Earth Hour challenge to turn off lights and reduce energy use for one hour on March 28 starting at 8:30 p.m. This one-hour time-out is meant to create greater world-wide awareness about the effects of climate change. The Town is looking to double its energy reduction over last year's goal. Oakville Hydro will measure the town's energy consumption and compare it to last year's use over the same time period.
"We set a goal of five per cent last year and we not only met it, but exceeded it by reducing the town's energy consumption by 8.2 per cent (14,550 kWh) for that one hour," Mayor Rob Burton said. "This year we've raised the bar to 10 per cent and we're looking to the community to help us reach that goal."
Over 1,000 Oakville residents, 40 businesses and six schools turned off their lights for one hour during last year's Earth Hour event.
"The purpose of having everyone reduce energy use for simply one hour - across the world - shows our commitment and dedication in making a global difference on climate change," said Cindy Toth, Director of Environmental Policy at the Town of Oakville. "Earth Hour reminds us that the simple things we each do everyday to reduce energy use really does matter."
Earth Hour has grown from a single event in Sydney, Australia in 2007 to a global phenomenon in 2008 with over 60 million participants worldwide, and more than 370 supporting cities, towns and councils in a total of 35 countries.
Participating in Earth Hour can be as easy as turning everything off at home and going for a walk, star gazing, or playing family games like Hide and Seek. The first step is to sign up through the official Earth Hour website. New this year, join Earth Hour Oakville on facebook.
The Oakville Fire department also reminds residents to never leave candles unattended if they are using them during Earth Hour.
Earth Hour is one of the many ways in which the Town of Oakville shows its commitment to environmental protection and promotion. Other energy conservation initiatives include:
- Energy Conservation Week, May 17-23
- Energy Conservation Fair, May 23
- Watt Not, Waste Not, Energy Meter Lending Program at Oakville Public Libraries
- Door Closed Campaign
- Lighten Up Ontario!
- 20/20 The Way to Clean Air
- Ontario Power Authority programs: Refrigerator Roundup, Peaksaver, Cool Savings rebate.
For more information on Earth Hour Oakville and ideas on how to spend an energy-free hour with your family and friends, visit the Town's Earth Hour web page.
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Contact Information:
Cindy Toth
Director of Environmental Policy
905-845-6601, ext. 3299
ctoth@oakville.ca
Mary Jo Milhomens
Senior Communications Advisor
Strategy, Policy & Communications
905-845-6601, ext. 4244
mmilhomens@oakville.ca
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