Canadian cities ready for Earth Hour challenge

Lights go out this Saturday.

From 8:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. (local time) on March 26th, cities across Canada will darken for Earth Hour.

While the eco-awareness challenge is purely voluntary, city officials are urging Canadians to participate in the clean-energy movement.

What's your city doing this Saturday?

Vancouver

Last year, an estimated 60 per cent of British Colombians participated in Earth Hour.

Already lauded as the greenest city in Canada by the WWF, and boasting "the greenest building code in North America," Vancouver continues to step up to the challenge of becoming greener.

Look for local hotels and restaurants to offer candlelit dining and entertainment on Saturday. The Lions Gate Bridge will be turning off its lights, too.

The Whistler/Squamish/Pemberton corridor is engaged in its own Sea to Sky Earth Hour challenge.

Edmonton and Calgary

The race is on. A friendly city rivalry is inspiring Albertans to turn off the lights.

In 2008, Calgary's power consumption increased during Earth Hour, thanks to a Calgary Flames game. Edmonton, with its solid energy declines, has been the clear victor each year it has taken part in the challenge.

Calgary is challenging Edmonton this year, hoping to build power-saving momentum. On Saturday, Calgary is holding an event at Olympic Plaza, while Edmonton is hosting a family-friendly gathering at City Hall.

Also in Edmonton, the social justice group Music is a Weapon is powering a pre-Earth Hour party at the University of Alberta with power-generating bikes.

Saskatoon

Last year, over 300 businesses in Saskatoon took part in Earth Hour. Once again, "before" and "during" photos will be taken to highlight the participants.

For budding stargazers, a free sidewalk astronomy event will be held at Centre Mall.

Toronto

The first Canadian city to jump on the Earth Hour bandwagon, Toronto takes its participation seriously. Candlelit walks through High Park, and a free outdoor event at the Ontario Science Centre are just two of the many Earth Hour activities available to Torontonians.

Ottawa

If you find yourself in the nation's capital this Saturday, check out the candlelight vigil on Parliament Hill. Over 400 participated last year, and even more are expected this time around.

Montreal

Walk up Mount Royal and watch the city darken below. Bring a flashlight. Or head to Westmount Park for some stargazing with the Royal Astronomic Society of Canada.

Halifax

Earth Hour is fun out east. Discover the Dark: Earth Hour Concert is a free event at The Discovery Centre (Space is limited, so RSVP). At Dalhousie, participate in an Earth Hour Murder Mystery Game.

If you're looking for more events, search your community at the WWF-Canada Earth Hour site. Or create your own neighbourhood event.

What are your plans for Earth Hour?

(Photo credit: AFP)