Halton Hills hosting a whole week of celebrations around Earth Day

Halton Hills continues to encourage local residents to celebrate Earth Day by organizing a whole week of activities around this year’s 53rd anniversary of the event.

The officials Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, but residents are encouraged to participate in Earth Week activities that are positive climate solutions to support a healthy community in Halton Hills all week.

Building on previous year’s events, and partnerships with local businesses and conservation authorities, the Town is offering a range of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages and interests from April 21 to 28.

“There are many ways residents can take action to support a healthy environment. Please pitch in to benefit us today and for generations to come,” said Mayor Anne Lawlor.

“Whether you participate in the 22-Minute Makeover, Community Cleanup, plant a tree, or choose to walk or ride your bike instead of driving, each of your actions makes a positive difference.”

New this year, Go Green Halton Hills has expanded into the Race to Net Zero event on Saturday, April 22, at the Acton Arena and Community Centre.

The Town has partnered with Your Green Homes, a local real estate and sustainable design business, to host an event with the following:

• Free electric vehicle test drives by Plug’n Drive
• Electric vehicles on display by owners and businesses
• Presentations and booths by businesses on home solar, ground source heat
• pumps and other home energy efficiency products
• Presentations on sustainable landscaping including managing water using rain
• gardens, gardening, identifying trees, and invasive pests and plants
• Environmental groups promoting the good work they do in the community
• Booths promoting alternative active transportation options such as e-bikes,
• bicycles, and transit
• The annual Halton Hills Used Bike Swap
• Family Storytime hosted by Halton Hills Public Library. Plant your own bean to take home, enjoy a special Storywalk®, and visit the seed library
• Green Tours available at the Halton Hills Public Library’s Acton Branch

Residents will also be able to pick-up free compost and woodchip mulch at the Robert C. Austin Operations Centre (Public Works) on May 6. Compost is courtesy of Halton Region, and the Town is providing the woodchips.

The annual tree sale at Public Works has also changed to a new Halton Hills Tree Voucher Pilot Program, that will support residents in planting more resilient mature trees on their property.

Vouchers for purchases at participating local garden centres will provide a $30 cost savings on a minimum $50 purchase. Vouchers are limited to one per Halton Hills’ property with 500 vouchers available in 2023. This pilot program launches April 26, 2023, during Earth Week celebrations.

Learn more about these activities and others by visiting the Town website.