Union Gas supports local trail enhancements

$2,500 grant to North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority

NORTH BAY, ON, Nov. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA), make improvements to trails at the Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area and the Chippewa Creek EcoPath, through a $2,500 grant awarded today.

Kim Vester, Union Gas Northeast District administrative assistant, presented the cheque to NBMCA chair Dave Mendicino, at the NBMCA Environmental Awards held today at the NBMCA's Natural Classroom in North Bay.

"We're particularly mindful of environmental conservation because nature provides the fuel that we deliver to our customers, and also because it's an important way to ensure our children's future will be as bright as ours," said Vester. "We're very pleased to support the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority and its conservation efforts, whose goals align so closely with ours."

The Chippewa Creek EcoPath is a community initiative to restore and enhance the natural values and heritage of Chippewa Creek through stewardship and education. Over the years, erosion, flooding, development and pollution have taken a toll on Chippewa Creek. Community partners are rallying to restore this waterway and the education provided through trail signage, curriculum resources, and the Adopt-the-Creek program.

The 395 acre historic Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Areas sees thousands of visitors annually. The grant will assist in maintaining and enhancing visitors' appreciation of the natural and historical significance of the Gorge through signage and hazard tree management.

"NBMCA relies on community partners to share in the stewardship of our watershed. This grant from Union Gas as well as the hands-on support of Union Gas employees in tree planting and participating in the EcoPath's Adopt-the-Creek program are contributing to the sustainability of our watershed," said Mendicino.

In addition to natural gas delivery services for homes and businesses and contributing to the province's economy through investment, job creation, municipal taxes and energy efficiency programs, Union Gas has a clear set of best practices regarding the environment and actively encourages and promotes those practices via community groups throughout its distribution area. This value is reflected each year, as the company supports communities across Ontario through thousands of volunteer hours for local charitable and non-profit organizations, major charitable giving and sponsorships. Last year alone, Union Gas contributed about $3 million to charitable organizations across the province, including environmental programs and projects. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

About the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) was founded in 1972 by the Province of Ontario and the NBMCA's 10 member municipalities. A non-profit organization, the NBMCA works closely with the public to balance human needs with the environmental needs of the region's watershed. The NBMCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities who are members of Conservation Ontario. For more information, visit www.nbmca.on.ca, or find us on Facebook: facebook.com/NBMCA and Twitter @theNBMCA

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

SOURCE: Union Gas Limited

CONTACTS:

Union Gas Limited 
Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5005490
Cell: 519 365-1010
[email protected]

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
Sue Buckle
Supervisor, Communications and Outreach
Ph: 705 474-5420 ext. 2012
[email protected]