The District of Hope and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project have entered into a memorandum of understanding for a community benefit agreement that will see a $500,000 contribution towards improvements to a community park in Hope.
Trans Mountain has been pursuing community benefit agreements with those along the pipeline corridor to provide direct benefits to communities if the proposed expansion project is approved and constructed. This contribution by Trans Mountain will be used towards upgrades at the Hope Community Recreation Park and is the first community benefit agreement signed along the proposed pipeline corridor.
The agreement was signed as part of an overall effort underway by Kinder Morgan Canada to work with pipeline-affected communities to identify local opportunities to give something back in recognition of the public inconveniences and temporary disruption created by construction. Additional agreements with municipalities and communities along the pipeline corridor are expected over the coming months as project planning continues.
“If the proposed Trans Mountain Expansion Project is approved and constructed, it will have a direct impact upon our community,” said Mayor Susan Johnston.
“These impacts will include jobs and increased municipal taxes, but also increased activity within our community during construction and activation of the pipeline. This community benefits investment, which will be used towards upgrades at the Hope Community Recreation Park, is in recognition of those impacts and provides a meaningful contribution to our community.”
Last year, Kinder Morgan paid $680,000 in municipal taxes to the District of Hope and, post construction, the annual tax payments will be over $1.2 million annually.