City proclaims Earth Hour in Vancouver

City of Vancouver News Release

March 28, 2008

City proclaims Earth Hour in Vancouver

Vancouver City Council today invited Vancouver residents, businesses and community organizations to “power down” this weekend to mark international Earth Hour. The global lights-out event is coordinated by World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and is supported locally by BC Hydro and municipalities across the province.

In addition to Mayor Sam Sullivan proclaiming 8:00 to 9:00 pm Saturday, March 29 as Earth Hour in Vancouver, the City of Vancouver will mark the occasion by:

shutting down interior and exterior lights in City Hall, the East Wing and the VanCity Building – except for emergency lights
shutting off decorative up-lighting under Burrard and Cambie Bridges Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings
turning off lighting for the Olympic Flag and the City Hall clock
asking staff to turn off lights and power down computers and monitors for the weekend
encouraging staff to participate at home
powering down selected Park and School Board facilities

Earth Hour encourages people to look, as well, at their home energy use.

“Of the total energy used in the average home, appliance use accounts for 16 per cent of consumption – compared to 6 per cent for lighting and 2 per cent for stand-by power. If this international event can raise awareness of what each of us can do in our day-to-day lives to protect our environment, it will be a success,” said Mayor Sullivan.

"Climate change is the most urgent environmental issue facing our planet,” said Mike Russill, President and CEO of WWF-Canada. “Earth Hour is a great way for each and every one of us to take personal action to fight climate change, and encourage everyone – individuals, governments and businesses - to do the same."

For more information on Earth Hour, please visit: bchydro.com/community/earthhour/earthhour55386.html?WT.mc_id=rd_earthhour

Media contact:
Corporate Communications 604.871.6336

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