Union Gas helps preserve a hidden treasure in the heart of London

Awards $2,400 grant to Friends of the Coves for conservation programs

LONDON, ON, Nov. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Union Gas is supporting the protection, conservation and wise stewardship of the Coves Subwatershed courtesy of a $2,400 grant awarded today to Friends of the Coves. The funds will help support outdoor education programs as well as water monitoring and naturalizations projects.

Joe Gregorio, Union Gas institutional account representative and member of the Union Gas London green team, presented the cheque to Thom McClenaghan, president of Friends of the Coves subwatershed at the organization's office in London.

"At Union Gas, we believe in investing today to ensure a bright tomorrow," said Gregorio. "That means being environmental stewards and supporting important ecological programs in the communities we serve. We are very pleased to help Friends of the Coves make this community an even better place to live and work."

Through the outdoor education program, local students are given the opportunity to experience first-hand a natural heritage area right in their own backyard, and understand why it's important to protect and conserve these areas. By engaging the community in activities such as invasive species removal and native plantings, Friends of the Coves aims to foster stewardship, increase biodiversity and improve water quality in the Coves Subwatershed.

"The quality of life in our community is enhanced through the protection, rehabilitation and wise stewardship of the Coves Subwatershed," said Heather Popham, program manager for Friends of the Coves Subwatershed.  "We have accomplished a great deal since its formation and we are pleased that this successful community effort will continue with the support of the community and organizations like Union Gas."

Over the past 100 years, Union Gas has been privileged to work in more than 400 Ontario communities. In addition to natural gas delivery services for homes and businesses, Union Gas has contributed to the province through significant economic investments, hundreds of jobs, millions in municipal taxes, energy efficiency programs, thousands of volunteer hours for community organizations, major charitable giving and sponsorships. Last year alone, Union Gas contributed $3 million to charitable organizations across Ontario, including more than $900,000 to United Way. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

About Friends of the Coves Subwatershed Inc.
Friends of the Coves Subwatershed Inc. is a non-profit, environmental organization whose goals and objectives aim to engage residents, businesses, community organizations, agencies and all levels of government, in the protection, rehabilitation, and stewardship of the Coves Subwatershed. Our mission statement is: The quality of life in our community is enhanced through the protection, rehabilitation and wise stewardship of the Coves Subwatershed.

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario. One of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2011, 2012 and 2013, and one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012, Union Gas is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company, with assets of $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com.

SOURCE: Union Gas Limited

Union Gas Limited
Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5490
Cell: 519 365-1010
[email protected]

Friends of the Coves Subwatershed Inc.
Heather Popham
Program Manager
Ph: 519 640-5397
[email protected]