National Capital starts countdown to Earth Hour

Mayor Jim Watson, along with the City’s key partner Hydro Ottawa and WWF braved the chill to speak about the importance of Earth Hour at a March 7 event outside City Hall. The City was one of the first Canadian cities to participate in and promote EH in 2008 and its enthusiasm continues to grow.
The Mayor presented WWF with a proclamation declaring March 26 ‘Earth Hour Day’ in Ottawa, workers huddling atop City Hall in the cold unfurled massive banners and sponsors, councillors, WWF and the mayor cut a ceremonial ribbon. (I coveted the large, gold ceremonial scissors!) WWF’s Panda (one of our Earth Hour volunteers) and Hydro’s Conservation Owl jousted for the cameras.

The mayor thanked the growing number of major sponsors, including The Ottawa Sun (which ran this item), 24 Hours and EMC Community Newspapers.  Bridgehead, a city-wide coffee chain featuring the EH logo on its cups, is also a participant.

The City’s involvement is hugely helpful in rallying support among local businesses and organizations for this important campaign. This year participants are being asked to turn off lights and appliances not only for one symbolic hour, but also to consider clean energy sources to fight climate change.
Canada holds the dubious distinction of being among the top ten contributing nations to climate change. But we don’t need to be included in that ranking.
Our message is simple: let’s stop wasting energy and generate what we need from clean, renewable sources. By working together, we can solve this problem.