The Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark (TRUGG) was beneficiaries of a $150,000 partnership with Anglo American to support the Geopark’s education outreach, tourism and Indigenous programs.
While the Trend Mine is in care and maintenance, Anglo still operates the Trend Mountain hotel and remains a part of the community.
Executive Director of the Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark Society, Sarah Gamble, welcomed the two-year partnership.
“We’re very pleased to be entering into this major partnership with Anglo American, which will deliver tangible outcomes for the Geopark, and our community,” she said.
“A portion of the funding will support new projects, such as building our new Geo Interpretive Centre in downtown Tumbler Ridge, a mobile interpretive trailer and local exhibit pods that park visitors and locals can walk through.
“Importantly, the partnership will also see enhanced recognition of our Indigenous neighbours and their stories throughout the Geopark, boost our educational and community resources and increase support of local tourism through a digital campaign.
“This partnership is a great example of what can be achieved when community organizations and businesses work together.”
Mayor of Tumbler Ridge, Keith Bertrand, thanked Anglo American for the significant contribution.
“Anglo American has been, and continues to be, an incredibly important part of our community. Not only as an employer and owner of the Peace River Metallurgical Coal Mine and Trend Mountain Hotel, but now as a major contributor to a very worthy organization as well,” he said.
“The Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark’s boundary of 8,500 square kilometres includes endless possibilities with incredible landscapes, and this donation will help to create something special, to educate and celebrate the geopark and all of its incredible wonders within.”
Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American’s Metallurgical Coal business, Tyler Mitchelson, said sustainability was an important focus for the company.
“Supporting thriving communities and healthy environments is a key part of our Sustainable Mining Plan, and this partnership is a demonstration of that commitment.
“We’re proud that we can play a role in helping the Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark Society deliver real projects that contribute to community resources and eco-tourism in the region, and increased recognition of First Nations communities.
“We look forward to partnering with the Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark Society and local community to help bring these great educational and tourism-focused projects to life,” Mitchelson said.
Note: I’ve stopped putting bylines on stories, because I get tired of putting my name on nearly every single story. This one is actually nearly verbatim from the press release, since it was so well written. I did change the first couple of paragraphs, but the press release was basically written like a news story so I left it as was.
