Yellowhead County and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for a Community Benefit Agreement that will see a $140,000 contribution toward funding a new outdoor ice rink and landscaping in the Hamlet of Marlboro, 25 km west of Edson, AB. 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.

“The completion of this project that is being planned for Marlboro will have a lasting impact on our residents. A new outdoor ice rink will be a great contribution to both recreation and social activities in the area,” said Mayor of Yellowhead County, Gerald Soroka. “We’re happy to see Kinder Morgan showing this kind of socially responsible commitment and I’m sure everyone in the hamlet and surrounding area is looking forward to seeing this going ahead.”

“We are committed to providing benefits to communities we operate in and that means understanding and investing in projects of value and importance to local residents,” said Ian Anderson, President of Kinder Morgan Canada. “We all share an appreciation for outdoor recreation, especially a love for hockey and skating, so we are very pleased to be able to provide funding toward a new ice rink for the community in Yellowhead County.”

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. To date, Trans Mountain has signed 14 agreements with 18 communities along the pipeline route that will provide funds to help with everything from education and training opportunities, to infrastructure improvements and investing in park and trail improvement projects.