continued from p.1 Earth Hour is a global lights-out initiative created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). It encourages people as well as businesses and governments to take accountability for their ecological footprint. Last year, the event took place in more than 7,001 cities and towns in 153 countries and territories across all seven continents. Hundreds of millions of people switched their lights off for an hour, and the campaign experienced its biggest growth since 2009. "Earth Hour reminds each of us that we need to take personal accountability for our impact on the planet throughout the year," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. "The Town is participating and we hope Oakville residents will take up the challenge and reduce power for an hour." Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr also spoke about the importance of Earth Hour. "In the 2011-14 Citizens' Priorities Action Plan, residents identified corporate sustainability as a priority for Halton Region," he said. "By participating in events like Earth Hour and implementing a number of corporate Local non-essential services will be turned off sustainability initiatives, Halton Region is demonstrating our commitment to making sustainable choices to meet the needs of the community now and in the future." Halton police Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher echoed this. "We all have a role to play in keeping our respective communities safe. We are also responsible for looking forward and shaping the future of these communities, so what better way to demonstrate our support in addressing global concerns that affect us all?" he said. "The Halton Regional Police Service will again do our part in contributing Earth Hour initiatives through a focus on non-essential police facilities." The deputy chief said Halton police's 911 phone service, communications, and the front desks at district stations, as well as other essential police facilities would not be affected during Earth Hour. It will be nonessential administrative areas that will go dark for the hour. Burton said the Town will turn off lighting in its facilities and parking lots and at Oakville's three war memorials. Marquee signage at Town Hall, central operations, the southeast depot, the greenhouse, community centres, libraries, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, pools and arenas will also be shut off, where possible. Town staff said participating in Earth Hour is as easy as switching off lights, but residents can also turn down the thermostat; unplug the TV , microwave, computer or other electronics during the event. Residents could use the opportunity to have a candlelight dinner, read a bedtime story by flashlight or take a stargazing walk. Carr said Halton Region has implemented several initiatives to reduce its impact on the environment. Some of these include: · Implementing green building practices in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of Halton Regional facilities · Reducing water consumption and increasing waste diversion at corporate facilities and from Regional projects · Reducing corporate energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while participating in energy conservation programs see Schools on p.12 3 | Friday, March 28, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com St. Jude's Anglican Church is lit by candles during its annual Earth Hour Concert-in-theDark. It is hosting another concert tomorrow to again observe Earth Hour. Cost is a $15 donation at the door for the 2014 Songs and Prayers for the Earth concert that will begin at 8:15 p.m. with the lights dimming at 8:30 p.m. and continuing by candlelight. For more information, visit www.oakvilleconcerts.com. | Oakville Beaver file photo DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN means... Reassuring appointments geared to your child's self-esteem and confidence Finest Lighting Store in Oakville ... THE WHOLE CHILD FIRST Conservative treatment of dental cavities. Bottle cavities treatment and oral habits management. ...A NON TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE. ... WHEN, WHY AND HOW CONCEPT LIGHTING GROUP **************** **************** **************** Topical fluorides and preventive fissure sealants ... A CAVITY-FREE GENERATION Guidance of the emerging teeth with early interceptive orthodontics ... HELPING FACES GROW Certified Specialist in Paediatric Dentistry DR KENNETH HUNE Suppliers of fine lighting to Casa Loma, North America's largest castle www.hunekayedental.com HUNE KAYE DENTAL GROUP 1540 North Service Rd. West. 3rd. Line & QEW (Tim Hortons Plaza) Oakville, Ontario, L6M4A1 NEW FAMILIES WELCOME SALE PLUS *See store for details WE PAY THE HST* Oakville 243 Speers Rd. · 905-849-LITE (5483) Mississauga 5980 McLaughlin Rd. #3 NEAR BRITANNIA 905.712.4548 · Burlington 1515 N. Service Road 905.331.7444 905-844-0872 www.conceptlighting.ca