The 12th Annual Earth Hour Vaughan Celebration

SNAPD
May 1, 2019

On Saturday, March 30, the City of Vaughan marked Earth Hour with millions of people around the world by powering down for one hour. Earth Hour is an opportunity to raise awareness for climate change, promote environmental stewardship and create sustainable behaviours. The community was invited to join the global movement with Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council during the City's 12th annual Earth Hour event at Vaughan City Hall, that began at 6 p.m. Official lighting of the Earth Hour Vaughan flame and observance of Earth Hour to took place between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., when all City lights were turned off. The event, sponsored by Alectra Utilities, included live entertainment, free prize giveaways, the City's first electric fleet vehicle and activities such as the night cycle ride, craft lantern making for the community lantern walk and candle-lit yoga. Exhibitors included Coolstraw, Elder's Mills Public School, Reptilia, Vaughan Environmental Services, Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, York Region Environmental Alliance and more. Citizens were also encouraged to make an environmental pledge on the light-bulb wall. Vaughan is a champion of environmental sustainability - the City's corporate energy initiatives have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 24% from 2013-2017 and the City also completed a business case for LED streetlight replacements that will help conserve energy and reduce electricity costs. The City of Vaughan purchased its first electric fleet vehicle, downsizing from a half-ton pick-up truck to a Nissan Leaf, that will save operating costs by 93 per cent and result in a 97 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.