The foothills of Alberta near our Cardinal River Operations are home to vast forested terrain, spectacular lakes and local wildlife. Rich in recreational opportunities such as camping, hiking and fishing, this natural habitat is greatly valued by locals and visitors alike.
The Foothills Recreation Management Association (FRMA), a group of companies and organizations including Teck and West Fraser, assists in maintaining this region. Teck has been a proud supporter of the FRMA for over a decade and became their main partner through our community investment program in 2011.
The FRMA is committed to providing safe and affordable outdoor recreation opportunities through management of 15 campgrounds and eight trail systems in the foothills area near the communities of Hinton, Edson, Robb, Cadomin and Brule, Alberta.
“Collaborating with Teck through the FRMA has helped to protect and preserve an incredible region for everyone to enjoy,” said Aaron Jones, West Fraser. “The majority of campsites maintained through the FRMA are in provincial parks, and through some sites, visitors can access Jasper National Park.”
Protecting our Natural Environments in Partnership with Indigenous Peoples
The FRMA campgrounds and trails are managed by the Fox Creek Development Corporation, an Indigenous-owned and-operated not-for-profit company committed to creating and maintaining jobs for Indigenous Peoples (treaty, non-treaty and Métis) in the Hinton area. This group has been involved in environmental protection since the 1970s and partnered with the FRMA from its inception.
Fox Creek ensures that the natural environment is protected long into the future; one of their key missions is to halt unregistered camping in the Alberta foothills, which reduces the risk of forest fires, outdoor waste and environmental damage.
Community Values are Teck’s Values
Conducting comprehensive environmental management and supporting community initiatives are essential activities for business when it comes to being a welcome neighbour. That’s why we work hard to mitigate any potential impacts and have a net positive impact on biodiversity in the region through our support of the FRMA and other activities.
“Cardinal River Operations is located very close to the region managed by the FRMA. Not only does their work align with our values, but it also supports an Aboriginal business,” said Lisa Jones, Senior Coordinator, Community and Aboriginal Affairs. “Protecting the environment and supporting communities and Indigenous Peoples are key components of our approach to sustainability, and this program really represents sustainability in action.”
This case study will be featured in Teck’s 2016 Sustainability Report, to be released in April 2017. For more case studies, visit www.teck.com/responsibility.
