Earth Hour : Turn Off Our Lights on March 28

For the second year in a row, the Verdun Borough will be actively taking part, on Saturday, March 28, in Earth Hour 2009, a worldwide event to fight climate change. To mark this important event, all the Borough's administrative buildings will be in total darkness from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., except for those where cultural, sports or recreational activities have already been planned on their program.

Borough Mayor Claude Trudel and Council members are urging residents in Verdun's three neighbourhoods to follow the Borough's example by turning off the lights in their homes, their commercial establishments or their companies between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28.

Coordinated by the World Wide Fund for Nature, Earth Hour's objective is to show solidarity for people all over the world in fighting climate change through concrete gestures. This initiative began in Sydney, Australia, in March 2007. This movement quickly gained ground, and last year, over 30 countries took part.

"We're proud to once again be among the participants of this global event to support the fight against climate change," pointed out City Councillor Ginette Marotte, who is also in charge of the Environment Committee. "I'm sure that for the second year in a row, many of our residents—who are already very much aware of environmental matters—will take part in this initiative, in response to Ville de Montréal's encouragement to do so," added Mrs. Marotte.