Media Advisory: Toronto Port Authority welcomes Earth Hour 2010

Photographers and video-camera operators invited to Port of Toronto and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport locations to record darkened city skyline

TORONTO, March 25 /CNW/ - The Toronto Port Authority ("TPA") is pleased to participate in Earth Hour 2010 to bring attention to the need for everyone to do their part to fight climate change.

The TPA invites photographers and video-camera operators working for local media to record the dramatic change in the Toronto skyline during Earth Hour, beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, 2010.

The TPA will be turning off or dimming lights and shutting down machinery throughout the Port of Toronto, the Outer Harbour Marina, 60 Harbour Street and the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport that are not essential for security or public safety.

The TPA's commitment to fighting climate change and reducing carbon emissions does not end with Earth Hour. The TPA has deployed a long-term sustainability action plan to fight climate change and protect the environment. In 2010, the TPA began to purchase 100 per cent of its electricity for all operations from renewable sources such as wind and hydro through Bullfrog Power.

"The TPA has a responsibility to be a leader in the collective effort to reduce carbon emissions. Earth Hour is a great opportunity to show how concerted action from everyone can have a dramatic impact on energy conservation efforts. But the TPA is working year-round to develop and execute measures that will reduce fossil fuel consumption, carbon emissions and other environmentally harmful practices," said Geoffrey Wilson, the TPA's President and Chief Executive Officer.

For more information on the TPA's ongoing effort to promote environmental sustainability and protect the Toronto waterfront, please visit www.torontoport.com.

About the Toronto Port Authority

The Toronto Port Authority was incorporated on June 8, 1999, as a government business enterprise under the Canada Marine Act as the successor to the Toronto Harbour Commissioners. It is a federal public authority providing transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses. The TPA owns and operates the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Marine Terminals 51 and 52, and the Outer Harbour Marina. The TPA also provides regulatory controls and public works services to enhance the safety and efficiency of marine navigation and aviation in the port and harbour of Toronto.

To make arrangements to take photographs or footage from TPA property, please contact Deputy Harbour Master Michael Riehl at [phone]

For further information: Janet MacDonald at [phone]