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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, April 4, 2012 · 4 Earth Hour 2012 saw more lights off in Oakville By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Residents' interest in Earth Hour appears to be creeping back up. While reports of how Oakville fared in the annual, global event are still being compiled and filed, it appears there was more local interest in the event this year. Oakville Hydro reported that Oakville saw a five-per-cent (8,381-kilowatt hour) drop in electricity consumption between 8:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday as many residents shut off their lights to mark the global conservation initiative. This year's power drop is higher than last year's reduction of 3.6 per cent and considerably higher than Oakville's performance in 2010 when resident participation during Earth Hour only yielded a 1.7 per cent reduction. This year's power down, however, still falls far short of Oakville's 2009 showing when the town reduced its power consumption by 13.3 per cent. Provincially, the reduction was 2.7 per cent this year. "Earth Hour is such a fantastic annual event and a fun way for the entire community to support conservation," said Rob Lister, president and CEO of Oakville Hydro. "Conserving energy is one step in the right direction towards building a sustainable future and, once again, Oakville residents showed their support." Besides many residents, the Town of Oakville, Halton Region, Halton District School Board, Halton Catholic School Board and the Halton Regional Police Services also participated in this years Earth Hour by shutting off lights in nonessential areas. Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007 when more than two million people turned off their lights for one hour. Since then, the annual World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-organized event has grown to include hundreds of millions of people around the globe in an initiative that symbolizes their commitment to fighting climate change. This year the phenomenon attracted participation from 150 countries and more than 6,494 cities including 511 in Canada. Toronto's power use was down 6.8 per cent during Earth Hour, better than five per cent in 2011. Mississauga is reporting a three per cent reduction in electricity use, which is down considerably from the eight per cent reduction seen the previous year. For more information about Earth Hour, visit www.earthhour. org. $29.99 $19.99 Fresh Easter Arrangements starting from $12.99 $12.99 trees, shrubs, & hardy perennials, & our departments are fully stocked. It's safe to plant Get an early start! Reg. $15.99 PANSY TRAYS Darwin 4 piece Conversation Set $1999.99 Reg. $2299.99 It's good to be together on this day For more than 25 years, the people of Knox Oakville and St. John's United have come together to celebrate Easter. This year, joint Good Friday services will be held at St. John's. Why not join us? $9.99 3 for $30 25% to All Outdoor Pottery Good Friday service One service at St. John's at 10:30 a.m. 50% off $29.99 Outdoor Spring Planter 4 for $10 TERRA Plus 3 Mix Reg. $4.99/ea Spring flowering shrub collection - choose from Quince, Euonymus White Gaiety & Country Gold, and Purpleleaf Sandcherry Reg. $19.99/ea OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Mon. - Sun. 9am - 6pm, Good Friday 9am-6pm All items while quantities last, subject to availability. Category offers exclude "TERRA Essentials" Sale period: Apr.5th-11th www.terragreenhouses.com Burlington Hwy #5 East of Brant St. (905) 332-3222 · Milton Britannia Rd.West ofTrafalgar (905) 876-4000 Waterdown Hwy #6 & 5th Concession E. (905) 689-1999 ·Vaughan Keele St. North of Kirby Sideroad (905) 832-6955 Lakeshore & Dunn 905.844.3472 KnoxOakville.com ALL ARE WELCOME Ask about Sunday School programs for children & teens