Strengthening Greater Napanee’s Clean Energy Supply and Community

Blog originally posted on www.blog.transcanada.com

Since he could remember, all Peter Webster has wanted to do is support his community. His passion to help people and work in the energy sector made him a perfect fit to fill the role of local community representative for the Napanee Generating Station (NGS) Project.

As a lifelong resident of area, Webster has spent many years providing public relations support to the energy and nonprofit sectors in the Napanee region. Over the past two years, he has represented the project in the community; providing support and sharing project details with the residents of Napanee. Webster’s primary responsibility has been ensuring local stakeholders have access to information about the project, and have the opportunity to provide input into project plans.

As part of TransCanada’s commitment to communities, in the fall of 2014, in collaboration with the Town of Greater Napanee, Webster spearheaded a Host Community Agreement which will provide $2 million in funding to the town for community development projects over the next 20 years.

“TransCanada is proud to partner with the Town of Greater Napanee on this host agreement,” says Webster. “We are committed to supporting the organizations and initiatives that bring communities together and truly value the support that residents of the town have shown towards NGS.”

The funding will be distributed to community organizations across Napanee through the Community Development Committee made up of representatives from TransCanada and the town. Approved local initiatives will focus on safety, community and the environment.

As part of the company’s commitment of being a good neighbour, and as outlined in the Host Community Agreement, TransCanada will establish three committees to ensure communication and ongoing engagement with the community.

“It is gratifying for Council to see new industrial growth in the Town of Greater Napanee. We have been very lucky that our local commercial and industrial sector continues to play a large role in reinvesting in our sport, culture and charitable organizations” says Gordon Schermerhorn, mayor of the Town of Greater Napanee.

“I am pleased that TransCanada believes in this philosophy and over the next 20 years has committed to a very generous Host Community Agreement. Since their first meeting with staff, TransCanada has tried to become a part of the community. As the site develops and becomes operational; many organizations that strengthen our community, will have access to new financial resources to expand on their current programming.”

Giving back to the communities where we live and work is part of TransCanada’s everyday culture and has been for over 60 years. Since first announcing the NGS Project, TransCanada has had the opportunity to partner with and support many local organizations including:

• Cataraqui Conservation Foundation
• Big Bright Lights
• Relay for Life
• Hospice Lennox & Addington Golf Tournament
• Napanee Rotary Club
• Amherst Island Women’s Institute
• Great Waterway Classic
• Ducks Unlimited
• Riverfront Festival
• Lennox & Addington Hospital Golf Tournament
• Napanee Emergency Services School Fire Safety Book
• Family & Children Services Golf Tournament
• Salvation Army Food Bank
• Napanee District Sea Cadets

In addition to building community partnerships, the NGS will strengthen the supply of clean electricity generation, help Ontario cut greenhouse gas emissions by replacing coal generation and create significant economic and employment opportunities in the Town of Greater Napanee and  surrounding region.

NGS will also provide significant economic benefits to the community, including the creation of a number of construction-related jobs and more than $1 million annually in local taxes. Providing opportunities for local community members has been a priority for TransCanada on every project.

Learn more about TransCanada’s community partnerships and the Napanee Generating Station.