The Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ) will be holding the Blue Skies Awards luncheon on Wednesday, June 6 from 12:00-1:30 pm (doors open at 11:30am) in the Santano Room, Sheraton Red Deer Hotel. This event is to honour three award recipients who have taken exemplary action in their local communities to improve the air quality in central Alberta. The recipients being presented with Blue Skies Awards at the luncheon are:

NOVA Chemicals – As part of NOVA Chemicals’ commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement in their operations, in 2014 they initiated a Furnace Refurbishment Project related to the Ethylene 2 manufacturing facility at the NOVA Chemicals Joffre Site. The goal for this project is to achieve a 30%-40% reduction in nitrogen oxides emissions. 5 of 11 furnaces have now been refurbished with 4 of the remaining 6 scheduled for completion by 2021.

Developments 2 Inc. Timberlands Market ProjectThis retail mall development is an industry leader in environmental practices, including several that support clean air within the PAMZ region. Through an investment in solar energy using solar panels, a focus on encouraging pedestrian traffic and green operating guidelines for tenants, the project has created a visible leading example of sustainable development with a focus on reducing environmental impact.

Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Project– The Counties of Mountain View, Red Deer and Lacombe operate ALUS programs in partnership with ALUS Canada. The ALUS program supports farmers and ranchers who adopt beneficial land stewardship practices on marginal agricultural lands, which enhances natural ecosystems. The program helps farmers and ranchers to produce cleaner air in concert with a range of ecosystem services, including cleaner water, more biodiversity, and flood and drought mitigation.

The award recipients will be sharing more about their initiatives at the luncheon. Government and local dignitaries will be attending and members of the public are also invited and encouraged to attend. Should you wish to attend, the luncheon is available for a price of $15. Seating is limited, please reserve ahead by emailing [email protected]. Deadline for booking your spot is May 25, 2018.

For more information, contact Justine Gardner at [email protected] Kevin Warren at [email protected]