Celebrate Earth Day

For Earth Day 2012, the City of Richmond urges all residents to turn off their lights for one hour.

This Saturday, March 31, from 8: 30 to 9: 30 p.m., people all over the world will switch off their lights, sending a collective message for action on climate change and raising energy conservation awareness.

The city will turn off all non-essential lighting and office equipment in city facilities, and staff at city owned facilities will be asked to turn off any lighting and equipment they can, as long as it does not hinder their safety.

"Last year during Earth Hour, Richmond reduced its energy use by 1.65 per cent," says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. "We want to better that mark and show our commitment to conserving resources and fighting climate change."

According to WWF Canada, 15 million Canadians in 427 Canadian cities and municipalities participated in Earth Hour in 2011. To pledge your support or for more information, visit http: //www.earthhour.org/.

CITY GARNERS TWO REPORTING AWARDS

The City of Richmond has been honoured once again for its business practices. This time, the city was lauded with two awards for financial reporting of its 2010 Annual Report from the Government Financial Officers Association of North America.

This is the ninth year in a row that Richmond has won the association's prestigious award. It also snagged the award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for the second year in a row.

"The high standards consistently met by this report reflect the information it contains, which shows the city is being well managed and is providing outstanding service to our community," said Mayor Brodie.

The Canadian Award for Financial Reporting program encourages municipal governments throughout the country to publish first-rate financial reports, and to provide peer recognition and technical guidance for officials preparing these reports.

BURNABY LYRIC AT MINORU CHAPEL

Classic opera performed with passion in a unique heritage setting. This is what Minoru Chapel Opera's fans can expect on Wednesday, April 4.

The Burnaby Lyric Opera will perform a concert featuring audience favourites including selections from Puccini's La Bohème, and Mozart's Don Giovanni and Le Nozze di Figaro.

This concert is the second in the Minoru Chapel Opera series. Join them again on May 2 when DragonDiva Operatic Theatre performs Engelbert Humperdinck's Hänsel and Gretel.

The performances are held at Minoru Chapel, 6540 Gilbert Rd. Tickets can be purchased at the door (if available) or in advance, by calling 604-276-4300 (quote course # 253001 for 2 p.m. show, #253002 for 7 p.m. show). Admission is $20 for adults, $18 for students/ seniors. For information about the series, visit www. richmond.ca/minoruchapel.