ATCO Pipelines and Hobbema’s Samson Cree Nation will co-operate on the replacement of an aging pipeline.
The 67-year-old section of pipeline runs through the reserve and is part of a larger network that provides natural gas service from Wetaskiwin to Viking.
An agreement signed on Thursday includes an ATCO commitment to explore employment and training opportunities for First Nation residents. ATCO will also invest in the community through its support of the Samson Cree Nation Education Trust Fund, says an ATCO news release announcing the deal.
Financial terms of the deal remain confidential, said ATCO spokesperson Carly Robertson.
Regulatory approvals are still required and construction is expected to start later this year on replacing the 10-km section of pipeline.
“The Samson Cree Nation values this agreement with ATCO Pipelines and looks forward to building a productive relationship over many years,” said Samson Chief Marvin Yellowbird, in a statement. “Through this agreement and ATCO’s support of our initiatives, we can continue to build a strong and vibrant community.”