"One hour, no power" is the aim of the worldwide initiative launched by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), according to city officials.

The City of Brampton will do its part, turning off all "non-essential" lights in all of its facilities. Any lighting affecting public safety, such as streetlights, stoplights and parking lights, will remain on.

Public programming at recreation and community centres will continue as normal.

However, the lights in The Rose Theatre will be shut off at 8 p.m. sharp, just as the Brampton Symphony Orchestra begins its regularly scheduled performance.

"Brampton has always taken a leadership role in protecting our environment and addressing the issue of climate change," said Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell. "We are proud to participate in Earth Hour, which symbolizes our commitment to protecting the environment and to finding solutions for climate change."

The Mayor's Youth Team and the city's Environmental Sub-committee have created a TV/radio commercial which will be played at high schools across Brampton, encouraging students to get involved.

E-mails have been sent to 5,000 families through the city's Community Spirit Team, encouraging them to sign up for the campaign.

The city has also partnered with Hydro One Brampton, the Brampton Board of Trade, and the Region of Peel to spread the word to businesses and residents.

"I encourage everyone to join in and turn off their lights for that one hour," Fennell said.

The Earth Hour campaign started in Sydney, Australia last year when 2.2 million people and 2,100 Sydney businesses turned off the lights for one hour, lowering the city's energy consumption by 10.2 per cent. The effect was equivalent to taking 48,000 cars off the road for one hour, according to organizers. This year, the campaign has spread to major cities worldwide.

For more on Brampton's participation, visit www.brampton.ca/earthhour.