The Coquitlam Foundation and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see a $300,000 contribution over 20 years toward funding annual awards for eligible secondary students in School District 43 pursuing studies in nautical science, marine engineering, heavy mechanics, environmental science, social work, and or emergency management studies. Scholarships are applicable for various diploma programs offered at BCIT, Douglas College and other recognized post-secondary institutions and awards will be available after all Expansion Project approvals. “This proposed educational funding will allow the Coquitlam Foundation to continue to fulfill an important part of its mission to provide benefits to our community – in this case, to support students as they seek to further their education,” said Coquitlam Foundation Board Chair Janet Toddington.

“Today’s agreement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to support educational opportunities to communities along the pipeline.” said Ian Anderson, President of Kinder Morgan Canada. “We are proud to partner with Coquitlam Foundation to provide more access for high school students in the Tri-Cities to pursue education in trades, emergency management, environmental studies and marine engineering.”

This is the third agreement Trans Mountain has signed that will further post-secondary opportunities for students in B.C. In April, 2015 Trans Mountain signed an agreement with Thompson Rivers University, to provide $500,000 in funding for students studying trades, environmental science and social work and signed an MOU with Camosun College contributing $400,000 toward a dedicated space to house the Coastal Skills Initiative and student scholarships. Additional agreements with educational institutions along the pipeline corridor are being pursued as Project planning continues.

Awards Established: Coquitlam Foundation will provide the following annual awards over 20 years to eligible students in School District 43:

  • Trans Mountain Pipeline Award for Nautical Science – BCIT
  • Trans Mountain Pipeline Award for Marine Engineering – BCIT
  • Trans Mountain Pipeline Award for heavy Mechanical trades– BCIT
  • Trans Mountain Pipeline Award for Environmental Science – Douglas College
  • Trans Mountain Pipeline Award for Environmental Studies – Douglas College
  • Trans Mountain Pipeline Award for Bachelor of Emergency Management and Security Studies - Justice Institute of BC
  • Trans Mountain Pipeline Award for Emergency Management Certificate - Justice Institute of BC
  • Trans Mountain Pipeline Award for Environmental Trades, and social work – recognized post-secondary institute

In addition to agreements with educational institutions, Trans Mountain has also secured Community Benefits Agreements with local governments along the pipeline corridor. To date, Trans Mountain has signed 18 agreements with a dollar value of more than $8.5 million representing some 95 per cent of the pipeline route.