Town of Halton Hills Will Once Again Participate in Earth Hour

The Town of Halton Hills will once again join other communities in Canada and around the world in participating in Earth HourTM by turning off any unnecessary lights, reducing energy consumption and addressing climate change. The objective of Earth Hour is to bring awareness to global warming and environmental protection. Importantly, Earth Hour is no longer just about turning the lights off for an hour. Instead, it is a high-profile opportunity to promote year-round conservation and the taking of long-lasting actions that benefit the health of our planet.

We can show our support for Earth Hour by having as many individuals, businesses, organizations and governments participate in this worldwide event. Earth Hour registration is available at: www.EarthHour.org

Earth Hour 2012 will be celebrated on Saturday, March 31, 2012 between 8:30pm and 9:30pm. Earth Hour participation is voluntary, fun and informative.

Last year, a record 134 countries and territories worldwide took part in Earth Hour. Across Canada, over 420 communities participated, an increase of 38%. Since first participating in Earth Hour in 2008, the Town has saved enough electricity to power a total of about 15,500 homes for one hour. This has been accomplished through extensive and successful community engagement of businesses, residents, Town staff and schools.

Speaking about Earth Hour, Mayor Bonnette said:

“Since 2008, our community has collaborated to make Earth Hour a success by participating in this worldwide event recognizing the need to take action against global warming. In 2012, our practical actions will again demonstrate that it is possible to take meaningful local action against climate change. Building on our past successes, it is important that we take actions throughout the year to benefit the environment.

I once again encourage the participation of our residents, businesses and community organizations. Participation in Earth Hour will help implement the Town’s Green Plan and continue to move all of us towards a more prosperous future with an even higher quality of life.”


This year, in support of Earth Hour, the Town will:

• Conserve energy by turning off all non-essential lights at all Town facilities during Earth Hour, without jeopardizing public safety and security, and interrupting regular service.

• Engage the business community to participate by promoting Earth Hour to their employees and customers and by offering special Earth Hour menu items at restaurants. Watch for Town staff as they visit your business to explore Earth Hour participation opportunities.

• Encouraging Earth Hour participation by drawing for an ‘Earth Hour Energy Conservation Package’. The conservation package will include items to help make year-round conservation easier and more convenient such as a programmable thermostat, energy meter, CFL bulbs and other energy conservation items.

Earth Hour is a symbolic event and it alone will not reverse climate change. Nonetheless, Earth Hour is a high profile opportunity to demonstrate that people working together can make a difference on climate change.

For more information on the Town’s participation in Earth Hour, please contact Jennifer Spence (Office of Sustainability) at 905.873.2601 ext. 2290 or jennifers@haltonhills.ca.

For more information about the Town’s sustainability initiatives, please visit: www.haltonhills.ca/sustainability.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Winner in Halton Hills

Yesterday I hosted the 7th Mayor Bonnette's Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowling Tournament. There were 14 teams registered at the Georgetown Bowling Lanes. Former CFLer great Dan Ferrone was the host working the teams with interviews.
My team had councillor Clark Somerville, Fire Chief Brent Marshall, Jenn, Josey and Dean Arnott.

The big winner of the day was Big Brothers Big Sisters as this was the highest ever raised in Halton Hills for this organization. And it was the second highest raised in Halton. The grand total was $11,500. Thank you Halton Hills. Johnson realors three peated as Tournament champions. All money raised stays in Halton.
Thank you Halton Hills.

2012 Spring and Summer Town Guide

Watch for the 2012 spring and summer Town Guide to be delivered Thursday, February 23. Guides will also be available at Town facilities and on the Town website. Spring and summer program registration starts March 7 so be ready with your spring and summer program wish list!

Congratulations to the Lambert family of Georgetown

Speaking of donating, once again congratulations to the Lambert family of Georgetown for presenting a $10,000 cheque to the Georgetown Hospital Foundation. They have put on another spectacular Christmas light show at their home on Johnson Crescent.

Cancer Assistance Service Halton Hills (CASHH)

We have many great organizations in our community. One such organization is Cancer Assistance Service Halton Hills (CASHH). This group of volunteers have been working for the betterment in our community for over 12 years. They have helped by providing over 54 drivers, taking patients to the city for treatment. But they do more then just drive patients for treatment. They provide Life Brand meal replacements, wigs, night hats, walkers and much, much more.

Calloway Reit

Calloway Reit has now been issued a building permit. This is the 400,000 square foot commercial premium outlet mall that will be built on Steeles Ave. and Trafalgar Rd.

Census Canada

The census numbers are out. Milton is once again the fastest growing community in Canada, growing at a rate of over 56.5% from 2006-2011. In the 2006 census Milton grew by 70%, it lists Milton’s population at 84,000. Mayor Gord Krantz had told me it is over 100,000 now. Brampton’s population has also grown over 20% in the same timeframe. Here in Halton Hills our population has grown by 6.7% which is slightly above the National average. Our populations is 59,000.

It just shows you the growth pressure that Halton Hills has been under the past 10 years. Town Council has done its best to manage our growth. All communities need modest growth. I think the recent statistics from Census Canada show that we have managed our growth.