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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, March 26, 2010 · 10 Showing commitment to energy conservation Continued from page 1 before going home for the weekend, there will be a reading of environmental quotes, stories and various messages during morning announcements and students will be encouraged to get their families involved at home. The Region and the Town said they will turn off lights and nonessential electrical equipment at their facilities during Earth Hour that do not compromise public safety or services. Both the Region and the Town also encourage local residents and businesses to turn off their lights and electrical appliances during the one-hour long event. The Region said during last year's Earth Hour its residents reduced energy consumption by 11 per cent and power consumption was reduced by 13 per cent in Oakville. "The town is proud to participate in Earth Hour. It's a great way to recommit ourselves to energy conservation for another year," said Mayor Rob Burton, in a press release. People can expect to see lights and signs being turned off at locations such as Town Hall, commu- OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO LIGHTS OUT: The lights are about to go out during an Earth Hour performance at St. Jude's Church in downtown Oakville in 2009. Send in photos of how you spend Earth Hour this year to the Oakville Beaver by noon on Monday, March 29 and the photos will become part of a slideshow on www.insidehalton.com. nity centres, libraries and many other places. The police department said it will turn off lights in non-essential, non-emergency administrative areas for the one hour long event. The police service said it does not expect an increase to public safety risks. "As in previous years, we will once again demonstrate our commitment to Earth Hour to fight climate change, with a focus on administrative areas where there will be no impact on our 24/7 police operations," said Chief Gary Crowell, in a press release. "Police patrol and response will not be impacted, and public safety will not be compromised." The Ontario government said it will also participate in the event. Lights will be turned off in 63 Ontario government offices during Earth Hour and the province said it is taking steps to reduce its energy consumption all year round. "Earth Hour reminds us of what we need to do every day - be better stewards of our natural resources. We can all make small changes at home and at work to conserve energy that add up to huge changes for the better," said John Gerretsen, minister of the environment, in a press release. During last year's Earth Hour the participating Ontario government-owned buildings and facilities reduced their electric consumption by nearly 10 per cent. In 2009 participation came from 88 countries and global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The CN Tower, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and Rome's Coliseum stood in darkness. F U R N I T U R E & M AT T R E S S AUCTION Partial Listing Delivery is Available ONE D ONLYAY EVER YTH ! MUST ING GO! Truck Load of NEW HOME FURNISHING, DÉCOR ITEMS & MUCH MORE to be sold by Auction. You don't want to miss this Opportunity to save! Otello's Banquet Hall ­ 2273 Royal Windsor Drive - Oakville 40 3 QEW AUCTIONS EHFI Good Friday April 2nd · Preview: 12 Noon / Auction: 1PM Fo r m o r e i n fo r m at i o n c a l l o r ch e ck o u r web s i t e ® . Dr sor ind lW ya Ro Ford Dr. Otello's Banquet Hall QEW 1.877.354.EHFI(3434) w w w . m y c i t y a u c t i o n . c a CASH