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3 | Friday, M a rc h 2 4 , 2 0 1 7 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | w w w .insideH A LT O N .com Town challenges residents to m ake a difference continued from p.1 "We would like to issue a challenge again to residents and we would like to set the bar a little higher, if possible, to see if we can get well above the usual five per cent reduction that we've seen in the past," said Toth "What we are seeing is a general raised con sciousness about energy conservations and the actions an individual can take to reduce their en ergy use over the years." Although there have been some years where there has been a decrease in participation, Toth said Earth Hour has been successful as "one col lective time" where local action can be shown globally, too. "This is a global initiative. Even though it' s just for one hour in the year, the message really is ... if this is something you can do for one hour, is this not something you can take on and do more often in your life?" asked Toth. She said the Town builds on Earth Hour as an "important grassroots movement" for individuals and the community to demonstrate collective ac tion. It uses the single-hour function and other pro grams as a way to "really reach out" to local resi dents and businesses. "In these types of initiatives that support envi ronmental sustainability, the Town operations are only one part of what a community can do to im prove the environmental sustainability within," We would like to issue a challenge again to residents and we would like to set the bar a little higher, if possible, to see if we can get well above the usual five per cent reduction that we've seen in the past. This is a global initiative. Even though it's just for one hour in the year... Cindy Toth T o w nof O akville said Toth. The Town takes part in Earth Hour by turn ing off non-essential lights and marquee signs at all facilities and parking lots, where possible without compromising public safety or interfer ing with services. Residents are encouraged to share their in volvement through social media, which Toth hopes will "spur actions by others," she said. People can tweet @townofoakville with the hashtag #ChangeClimateChange or post on the Town' s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ TownofOakville/) to show how they've partici pated in Earth Hour. "There' s an important role every resident plays in addressing things like wasting energy, achieving more energy efficiency. These all relate to things that are very important in our lives," said Toth. "Oakville residents have had a relatively steady support for this event. That shows an on going commitment to continuing their efforts." As well, starting this Saturday, residents can head to the Oakville Public Library Central Branch on Navy Street to learn how to be part of the Earth Hour movement every day and try the "Rock the Bike" pedal-powered bike-charging station. This will kick off an Earth Month display se ries at participating Oakville libraries. "It' s environmental sustainability, it' s improved air quality, it' s addressing climate change, along with saving energy dollars," said Toth. In addition to the Town of Oakville, Halton police and the Halton District School Board (HDSB) will be taking part in Earth Hour. While police staff and their families are en couraged to take part, operations will continue as usual during this hour and public safety and emergency response will not be affected. Halton police' s commitment to the environ ment extends beyond Earth Hour and includes see Small on p.4 Exceptional footcare fo r a ll ages. ^ Have You Booked Your Spring Foot & Nail Care Check Up Yet? 1.Richard W erk m an " D.Ch., B.Sc., Podiatric Medicine Registered Chiropodist ·C o m p re h e n s iv e fo o te x a m sa n dtre a tm e n to p tio n s ·D ia b e tic fo o tc a re ,u lc e rs a n dw o u n d s ·C u s to m -m a d eR xo rth o tic s fo rs p o r ts a n de v e r yd a y · In g ro w nn a il s u rg e ry · C o rtis o n e in je c tio n s ·T h ick /fu n g a ln a ils · F la t fe e t·H ig ha r c h e s A referral is n o t required! Call tod ay and experience focussed fo o tca re fo r people o f a ll ages! ------ 1495 Cornwall Road, Suite 33, Oakville - located on the north/west corner of Maple Grove Dr. and Cornwall Road T: 9 0 5 - 8 4 5 - 4 8 1 7 w w w .w e r k m a n .c a AyA KITCHENS OF OAKVILLE 1195 NORTH SERVICE ROAD WEST K ITC H EN S O F O A K V IL L E 9 0 5 .8 4 7 .1 5 2 2 SOUTH OAKVILLE CENTRE (fo rm e rlyH o p e d a le M a ll I BURLINGTON M ALL AYAOAKVILLE.COM 9 0 5 .8 4 7 .2 9 7 5 I 9 0 5 .6 3 5 .8 7 7 9 C la s s iq u e -D e c o r.c o m