On Saturday, March 26, the Township will join the fight against climate change by turning off its lights between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. during Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is an annual global effort designed to make a difference for the planet.

鈥淚ndividual participation and simple changes can make a big difference in the fight against climate change, which is the biggest environmental threat to our planet,鈥� said Township environmental co-ordinator Ryan Schmidt. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what Earth Hour is all about. Participating in Earth Hour and switching off your lights for one hour is a simple and easy way to show that you want to help.鈥�

During the event, lights at the Township鈥檚 Civic Facility, operations centre, libraries, and 91原创 Centennial Museum will be switched off. Non-essential lights at recreation centres and leased facilities, as well as at fire halls, community police stations, and the 91原创 RCMP detachment will also be turned off.

The 91原创 Events Centre will also support Earth Hour. Options to darken the LEC include shutting down the refrigeration plant and maintenance level lights over the arena, and turning off all signs outside the building, including the large pylon sign next to 200 Street. Storage room lights will also be turned off, as will lights in the gym if no one is booked to play.

The Township鈥檚 participation in Earth Hour will not affect the operation of public facilities that will be open at that time. Lights required for security, parking, or safety will remain on, but will be dimmed or reduced if possible.

Residents and businesses are also encouraged to take part in Earth Hour by signing up at www.EarthHourCanada.org.

The World Health Organization estimates that climate change causes more than 150,000 deaths a year.

Canada is one of the top 10 nations contributing to global climate change; 36 per cent of our national energy mix is from non-renewable sources.