News Release

Mayor supports annual Earth Hour climate change initiative

(Halifax, Friday, March 25, 2011) - Mayor Peter Kelly is once again encouraging HRM residents to participate in Earth Hour, an annual initiative which encourages people around the world to reflect on what they can do to reduce their impact on the environment.

Earth Hour happens Saturday, March 26 from 8:30-9:30 p.m. This one-hour lights-out event was created by the World Wildlife Fund to illustrate how a simple action by individuals can make a big difference with climate change.

“By turning out your non-essential lights this Saturday evening, you will be showing your support for action on global warming,” said Mayor Kelly. “I encourage everyone to take part and join the millions of people around the world who want solutions on climate change”.

This year the World Wildlife Fund is hosting a free concert - Discover the Dark - at the Discovery Centre on Barrington Street. Doors open at 7:30 pm on March 26. Lights out from 8:30 - 9:30 pm. The show will be an intimate and interactive candlelight concert featuring ECMA award winning artist Dave Gunning. The Mayor will be in attendance.

HRM is committed to being a healthy, sustainable and vibrant community. The Municipality incorporates energy efficiency in all new construction ensuring all new buildings are built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standards. There are 200 solar panels atop the new Canada Games Centre making it one of the largest solar installations in Canada. Plus HRM has drilled 150 boreholes for geothermal energy throughout the Municipality - more than anyone else in Atlantic Canada.

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

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Contact:

Mayor Peter Kelly
490-4010