"Earth Hour" began in 2007, when 2.2 million people powered down in Sydney, Australia and environs. In 2008, some 50 million powered down worldwide. In 2010 1.3 billion people in 128 countries participated in Earth Hour by powering down. The simple act of turning off our lights en masse sends a powerful message - that we are one in our acknowledgment of our profligate use of energy, one in our discernment of this time of necessary change, one in our will to live modestly for the sake of life.

This year, World Wildlife Fund is calling on Canadians to think about how we use and produce energy. To create the best possible future for Canadians and the planet, let's stop wasting energy, and generate what we need from clean, renewable sources like wind and solar. Canada can be a world leader in clean energy. But the longer we wait, the more it will cost - both in dollars and environmental impact.

It will continue to be a call to action to every individual, every business, and every community throughout the world. A call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the global journey to a sustainable future."

People are registering their actions and events at wwf.ca/earthhour/ and
earthhour.org

Here in Ward 13 we are calling upon one and all to power down, to turn off lights, and more. This year there are several Earth Hour candle lit walks in the this part of town, starting at 8:30 pm at:

• The Junction: Junction Train Station Platform (Dundas West and Pacific). Pre-walk festivities start at 8:00 pm featuring the Junction Children's Choir.
• Bloor West Village: Margdon Park on north side of Runnymede Library (2178 Bloor St. W. )
• Baby Point Gates: Baby Point Gates (corner of Jane and Annette)
Note: The above three walks will converge at 9:30 pm in Memorial Hall at Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd. for musical celebration, refreshments, and  information on going beyond the hour.

• High Park: Howard Park Tennis Club, 430 Parkside Dr. in High Park (Note: This particular walk starts at 8:00 pm)
• Roncesvalles: Revue Cinema (400 Roncesvalles Av.)
• Parkdale: Parkdale Library at World Peace Globe Monument (1303 Queen St. W.)
 
     Please check the following website for updates:  www.green13toronto.org   We anticipate that The Villager and SNAP will post events, as well as local residents' associations, Junction Parents, BIAs and our Councillor, MPP and MP.

    This is made possible by all of us, working together: Green 13 - Junction BIA - Bloor West Village BIA -  Baby Point Gates BIA - Junction Residents' Association - Junction Parents - Bloor West Village Residents' Association - SARA - West Bend Community Association - FutureWatch - Junction Agora Café - Roncesvalles BIA - Parkdale BIA - SNAP - Councillor Sarah Doucette - MPP Cheri DiNovo - MP Gerard Kennedy

and by the generous donations of the Green Awakening Network - LiveGreen - City of Toronto - Future Watch - Runnymede United Church - Bullfrog Power - Annette Branch Public Library - Junction BIA - SNAP - Junction Agora Café - Councillor Doucette

THIS EARTH HOUR, GO BEYOND THE HOUR. After turning off your lights for Earth Hour, what else can you do to make a difference? Together our actions add up.

For more information, please visit www.green13toronto.org    Or email: green13group@gmail.com