Since the Coastal GasLink and Prince Rupert Gas Transmission projects were first announced, TransCanada has worked hard to connect with the community to better understand and appreciate the needs, interests and concerns of the citizens of Prince George.
Apart from the substantial economic benefits these projects bring to the community in the way of local construction investment, opportunities for local contractors and property tax revenue to build roads, schools and other important infrastructure, TransCanada takes a direct interest in helping to bolster the quality of life in the communities we live and operate in.
This includes investing in programs that support education and training, environmental protection, safety, sport and recreation and commerce.
Our community relations team has consistently engaged with members of city council and community organizations - and will continue to be engaged as a strong corporate citizen and build long-lasting partnerships.
Over the past few years, we have made various contributions to the community after receiving input from residents and council members:
We were an official sponsor of the Canada Winter Games, taking part in community events leading up to the games and during the games themselves as the closing ceremonies title sponsor.
We have joined the family of donors at the University of Northern British Columbia with a $400,000 contribution to their award-winning bioenergy system and the Sustainable Communities Demonstration Project.
We've invested half a million dollars in significant training partnerships that support the College of New Caledonia and the Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association to help build northern B.C.'s labour force.
We've invested in local community organizations like the Prince George Legion, the Hudson's Bay Wetland Project, and the Breakfast Club Program at Ron Brent elementary.
We have been an active member of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce.
And we've been engaging with local residents and businesses at our office, and at information sessions.
We are proud of our relationship with the people of Prince George. We are active members in the community and we plan to be for years to come.
Prince George has much to gain
from projects that are developed responsibly, like Coastal GasLink and Prince Rupert Gas Transmission - long term property tax benefits, dollars that will be spent in the community during project construction, opportunities for local contractors, and ongoing investments that aid to build a vibrant community.
Shela Shapiro
TransCanada,
Calgary
