News Release

Mayor Encourages Citizens to do their Part for the Planet on Earth Hour

(Halifax, Friday, March 26, 2010) - The Mayor for the province’s largest municipality today urged staff and all citizens across the region to switch off their non-essential lights this Saturday, March 27, 2010 and join millions across the globe participating in the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour between 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

“Earth Hour began three years ago in Sydney, Australia, and has caught the imagination of people everywhere as a simple, yet effective, way to show support for action on global warming,” Mayor Peter Kelly said.

Earth Hour is a one hour lights out event, created by WWF (World Wildlife Fund) that mobilizes millions worldwide to show support for action on climate change. Earth Hour is designed to help show people how they can be a part of the climate solution and that every day actions can add up to make a real difference.

The World Wildlife Fund is hosting a free concert – Earth Hour “Unplugged” - in the Grand Parade beginning at 7:30 pm on March 27. Among those appearing will be ECMA award winning acts, Sons of Maxwell and Dave Gunning. The Mayor will join WWF-Canada, Atlantic Region along with Conserve Nova Scotia, and CarShareHFX for this family-oriented event. Astronomy Nova Scotia will be also on site with their telescopes for stargazing.

HRM Council has made a commitment to cut the region’s corporate emissions by 20 per cent by 2012. With more than $7 million invested in “green” projects to date, the region is at the half-way mark. It is part of the municipality’s goal of being a healthy, vibrant community.

HRM was recently awarded second place in Corporate Knights Magazine’s Most Sustainable Medium-Sized Cities in Canada list.

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Contact:

Mayor Peter Kelly
Halifax Regional Municipality
490-4010

Shaune MacKinlay
HRM Public Affairs
490-6531