The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for a Community Benefit Agreement that will see a $845,000 contribution toward funding various community enhancements. Trans Mountain has been pursuing Community Benefit Agreements with those along the pipeline corridor to provide direct benefits to communities if the proposed expansion project is approved and constructed.

“If the proposed Trans Mountain Expansion Project is approved for construction, there will be impacts to those living in the Regional District,” said John Ranta, Chair of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. “These impacts will include jobs and increased municipal taxes, but they also include increased activity during construction and activation of the pipeline. The investment announced today recognizes the impacts and provides a meaningful contribution to the Regional District.”

“We are committed to working with the communities we operate in to maximize the benefits of the Project,” said Ian Anderson, President of Kinder Morgan Canada. “This agreement will provide local and direct benefits to the people within the TNRD. We all appreciate the communities we live in, and are happy to be able to provide funding toward enhancing community projects and infrastructure.”

Kinder Morgan values the relationships it has with the communities along its existing pipeline system and the proposed pipeline project; these span over more than 60 years of history. This agreement was signed as part of an overall effort underway by Kinder Morgan Canada to work with pipeline-affected communities to identify local opportunities to give something back in recognition of the public inconveniences and temporary disruption created by construction of the proposed expansion.

Agreements now encompass the majority of pipeline construction communities along the corridor from Strathcona County, Alberta, to Hope, BC with a total value of $4.2 million, representing close to 1000 kilometers of the pipeline. Agreements were previously announced with Hope and Barriere in BC, as well as Hinton, Edson, Stony Plain and Strathcona County in Alberta. Additional agreements with municipalities and communities along the pipeline corridor are expected as project planning continues. Learn more about the Community Benefits Program here.

Thompson Nicola Regional District — A total investment of $845,000 in four Electoral Areas:

  • $175,000 to Vavenby, Birch Island and Black Pool for community parks
  • $350,000 to Blue River and Avola for parks, trails and education
  • $170,000 to Little Fort for road upgrades and landscaping
  • $150,000 to Black Pines for drinking water infrastructure