The lights were down but environmental awareness was up for Earth Hour

NEW GLASGOW - Lights went out across Canada and around the world Saturday evening for Earth Hour, an event held to send a message to governments to take action against climate change.

More than 150 communities across Canada shut off their lights for Earth Hour, between 8 and 9 p.m., including communities in Pictou County.

Numerous residents and businesses across the county participated in Earth Hour. And about 50 people took part in a lantern-lit historical walking tour of downtown New Glasgow, led by tour guide Lynn MacLean of Ships and Spirits Walking Tours.

"We did a marketing and public relations campaign in partnership with the county and the Town of Pictou to raise awareness throughout Pictou County and encourage citizens, businesses and organizations to participate in Earth Hour," said Kim Dickson, marketing and communications director for the Town of New Glasgow.

The town felt the lantern tour would serve to promote Earth Hour but would also celebrate New Glasgow's historic past, she said. Dickson said she was pleased with the turnout. "We didn't really know what to expect," she said. "But I'm most impressed with the variety of ages here tonight."

Dickson said environmental issues and long-term sustainability are priorities for the town. The town's participation in Earth Hour "is all part of our Community Integrated Sustainability Plan that we're doing together with the county, the Town of Pictou and the Town of Westville," she said.

Meanwhile, MacLean said she was eager to be part of Earth Hour. She said even if she hadn't been guiding the lantern tour that evening, she still would have done her part to save energy. "An event like this is very important," she said. "It's something we have to consider here in our county, in our country and around the world. We've got to start looking at conserving energy."