Norm and Shirley Houle
Earth hour not very well advertised. Ooops.

Canadians joined millions around the world Saturday night in turning off their lights to mark Earth Hour, celebrating the ninth year of the annual event.

Participation appeared to be on the decline in recent years, supporters emphasized the goal was to raise awareness of climate change.

Enthusiasm has waned over the years. BC Hydro, for example, said last year British Columbians reduced the provincial electricity load by one per cent.

That’s the equivalent of turning off about 1.4 million lights, but it’s a dip from the 1.8 per cent reduction reported in 2011.