By Charlene Tebbutt

Husky Energy confirms $1 million to come to P.A. for three community enhancement projects

Nov 9, 2018 | 1:00 PM

Husky Energy is speaking following the announcement of several community enhancement projects earlier this week. 

Husky is confirming a total of $1 million will be coming to Prince Albert to fund three local “community enhancement” projects in Prince Albert. In a letter to the City, Husky Energy said the $1 million will come to the city in annual installments of $250,000 in each of the next four years, from 2018 to 2021. The letter is included on the agenda for City Council’s upcoming meeting on Tuesday.

A spokesperson from the company said administrators are happy to support the community following the 2016 oil spill that leached into the North Saskatchewan River.

Husky spokesperson Mel Duvall told paNOW Husky Energy has a long history of supporting communities where they operate. While Prince Albert is a little far from the company’s core operations near Lloydminster, the oil spill two years ago made it clear that Husky’s reach extends further.

The city announced the three projects earlier this week, saying Husky Energy will pay to complete the final phase of the Rotary Trail, a new spray park in place of the Ella Muzzy Paddling Pool, and a new digital billboard to promote local events and activities.

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“We were very appreciative of the way the City of Prince Albert came together and worked with us in the days following the spill,” Duvall said. “Since that time, we’ve been actively working with the city to find ways that we could partner with them to make some meaningful contributions to community initiatives.”

Following the spill, Husky Energy paid $5 million to the city to cover costs associated with the incident and publicly apologized. Mayor Greg Dionne said earlier this week that the additional $1 million will go toward the inconvenience residents and businesses had to deal with during the water crisis.

“I think it’s a strong demonstration of our appreciation for the way the city’s worked with us,” Duvall said of the additional payment.

Duvall said Husky will be having more discussions with the city about recognition for the three community enhancement projects. Duvall said Husky isn’t necessarily asking for the company to have its name displayed on signage, but looked to city staff to tell them what projects were important to the local community.

“We do want to show that we’re working actively with the city,” he added.

The pipeline that caused the oil leak has since been repaired, although Husky Energy is still facing environmental charges related to the spill. Husky Energy is also in the process of building a new connector across the North Saskatchewan River and conducted public consultations in Prince Albert in June on the project.

Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt