Sarnia sign and City Hall to be illuminated green for Poison Prevention Week

A soft green glow will wash over Sarnia City Hall and the Sarnia sign this week, part of a province-wide effort to raise awareness about the risks of unintentional poisoning and how to prevent it.

From March 15 to 21, the building is being illuminated at the request of the Ontario Poison Centre (OPC) in recognition of National Poison Prevention Week. The initiative is tied to the #RethinkPoisons campaign, which encourages Canadians to reconsider everyday substances that can pose serious health risks if misused or improperly stored.

Each year, more than 5,000 Canadians die from poisoning, with unintentional poisonings now surpassing transport-related deaths nationwide. Many of these incidents occur in the home and involve common items such as medications, household cleaning products, and cannabis.

Health officials say the goal is simple: awareness that leads to prevention.

“Poisoning is often preventable,” the OPC notes in its campaign materials, pointing to safe storage practices, clear labelling, and quick access to medical advice as key measures that can save lives.

The City of Sarnia’s participation follows its Illumination of City Buildings Policy, adopted by council in 2016. The policy allows municipal landmarks to be lit in specific colours to support charitable causes, non-profit organizations, and civic initiatives. In this case, green has been designated as the official colour associated with poison prevention awareness.

Sarnia is one of several communities taking part in the coordinated effort. Other notable Canadian landmarks illuminated for the week include the CN Tower in Toronto, Niagara Falls, and the Collingwood Clock Tower. Locally, both City Hall and the Sarnia waterfront sign will be green

Beyond the visual display, the week includes a broader slate of outreach efforts organized by the OPC, including webinars, educational materials, and community engagement campaigns aimed at families, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

For residents, the message is grounded in everyday habits. Keep medications out of reach of children. Store cleaning products securely. Be mindful of how cannabis is packaged and accessed in the home. And in the event of a suspected poisoning, seek help immediately.

As City Hall glows green along Christina Street, the hope is that the colour catches attention—and prompts a second look at the hidden risks that can exist in even the most familiar spaces.