Kelowna

Kelowna's mayor has issued a challenge to the citizens of Kelowna.

Walter Gray is asking resident to participate in Earth Hour to help raise awareness for the World Wildlife Fund's Earth Hour event this Saturday, March 23.

"The Earth Hour event is a practical and symbolic show of support for the environment," says Gray.

"The City of Kelowna committed to turning off its lights at City Hall and Stuart Park except for safety lights and those that are hard-wired."

Residents are encouraged to turn off electric lights and appliances for one hour Saturday from 8:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Earth Hour is a global event highlighting the importance of conserving energy and working together to tackle climate change.

It started in Sydney, Australia with 2.2 million homes and businesses turning off their lights for one hour.

Since then it has grown into a worldwide symbolic climate change initiative.

In 2012, more than 6,900 communities in 152 countries and territories switched off for Earth Hour.