The Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA) won an award of excellence for “Oil and Gas – from start to finish”, a five phase series, spanning two years.
The award, which was presented at the annual Synergy Alberta Conference held in Red Deer Oct. 29-31, aims to recognise special initiative and programs that address the pressures and opportunities of energy and resource development in a community.
“LICA is deeply honoured to be recognised by our peer group for our work on the presentation series,” said Delano Tolley, LICA board chairman, in a press release.
“LICA's Education and Information Committee spearheaded this project and did an exemplary job of determining the type of information the public wanted and providing it in a creative manner. Kudos to them and to the public who came out to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Charmaine Code, LICA's executive director, said the five-part series will finish up in early 2013.
“It's a presentation series we've been doing that's called Oil and Gas -- From Start to Finish and in general it would be everything you've always wanted to know about oil and gas in our region,” explained Code.
The presentation is based on public feedback and information requested by those who attend the series or contact LICA though other means, she explained.
“Anytime we have a public event, we get feedback from people at that event. There was always a desire for more information about oil and gas.
“As an example, what types of processes exist within the oil patch? How do companies decide which is the best process? What is involved with each process? About air, water, the impact on the environment, what the whole process is to get approval before they can go ahead. Really, they want to know how it impacts them and their lives.”
These are some of the questions the public is wondering about, said Code.
With so much success from the series, Code said LICA is working on a booklet containing much of the information presented and researched for the presentations, which will be launched in 2013.
“As we went through the phases it became apparent that there is a desire for more information so we've actually developed what we call a Landowners Handbook and Resource Development,” said Code.
This information will be useful to everyone in the region, including landowners, industry personnel and farmers.
Code said they are thrilled to receive the award and are already working on other initiatives to take part in once the series is finished.
“Something like this doesn't happen without a lot of work and there were a lot of hands that contributed. Our volunteers, the information and education committee and board support and funding have just made it all possible. It's been well received in the community, people that have attended have been quite pleased with the information they've gone away with.”
