Turn the lights out for Earth Hour
City councillor encourages residents to reflect on the environment and the impact we have on it this Sunday
Cody Punter
Northern News Services
Published Friday, March 28 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Coun. Bob Brooks is encouraging Yellowknifers to reflect on their impact on the environment ahead of Earth Hour, which takes place this weekend.
Brooks is acting mayor while Mayor Mark Heyck is on vacation and deputy mayor Cory Vanthuyne is busy with this weekend's Long John Jamboree.
"The best way to do it is to spend the hour to think about the effect on your community, on your house, on your surroundings and that sort of thing," he said.
The internationally celebrated event, which is scheduled to take place at 8:30 p.m. Sunday evening, asks for people turns off their lights as sign of solidarity for environmental conservation.
Earth Hour began as a grassroots movement in Sydney, Australia in 2007, where residents were asked to turn their lights out at the same time. It has since expanded to a global phenomenon, with more than 7,000 cities and towns expected to take part this year.
Although the city does not having anything planned to celebrate the event, Carl Bird, director of corporate finance, pointed out that it has made huge strides in reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the last decade.
"We have initiated several projects over the past eight years under our Community Energy Plan which have led to significant reductions in GHG emissions and reduced energy costs to the city," stated Bird in an e-mail to Yellowknifer.
"We continue to encourage all Yellowknife residents to look for ways to reduce their own carbon footprint," he added.
Brooks said Northerners have more of an appreciation for electricity because they are so dependent on it.
He urged people to try and make at least a small gesture to conserve power on Sunday.
"Even if it just means taking the dog for a walk," he said.
