Who We Are

For the past five decades, residents in the Industrial Heartland have co-existed with the chemical and petro-chemical companies in Strathcona County, Lamont County, Sturgeon County and the City of Fort Saskatchewan.

In many respects, it is a good partnership that has improved the quality of life here.  These local industries provide employment for 4,500 people with good wages and salaries.  Each year these industries purchase $700 million in local goods and services, plus utilities and feedstock. Industries provide much needed tax dollars to pay for infrastructure and services.  There have also been substantial investments in community projects by these companies – the Dow Centennial Centre is just one example.

However, with rapid population growth and economic investment in the region, there are growth challenges that require thoughtful and practical solutions.  Whether it be our water, the air we breathe, the safety of local residents, or noise – every one of these issues is important to our members and to our community. NCIA has developed individual strategies to deal with these specific issues.

The Fort Air Partnership (FAP) is an example of industry working with the community to manage environmental impacts. With more companies locating and expanding here, understanding and minimizing impacts on air quality is important to NCIA members, workers, and the residents in the community. NCIA is the major funder of the FAP and these financial resources support a network of air monitoring stations throughout the region. 

Another way that industry is looking to reduce its impact is by reducing its consumption of fresh water from the North Saskatchewan River.  NCIA recently sat down with the provincial government, local government, and utilities and developed the water management framework for the Industrial Heartland and the Capital Region. This plan promotes water conservation for all users and will look at options for greater use of reclaimed or recycled water.

Planning has been instrumental to successful industrial development in the region.  For the past decade, NCIA has been working with local municipalities on land use planning ensuring that industrial development optimizes the use of the land base and local infrastructure such as roads, railways and utility corridors.  Work is now underway on an Eco-industrial Master Plan for the region to seek further efficiencies and minimize the overall impact of industry developing in the region.

We want to be good neighbours. And successful communities are built by good neighbours who work toward a common goal.  The goal we share with residents in the Heartland is that we all want to live in a healthy, prosperous, safe community.

Sincerely,

Peter St. George
NCIA 2010 Board Chair