Cossfield council received a $10,000 donation from TransCanada Pipelines for the Town’s Highway 2A Berm Beautification Project during a March 5 meeting.
The donation came as part of a packaged deal allowing the private seismic imaging firm Thompson and Associates Exploration Services Inc. to map the natural gas reservoirs kilometers under the town.
The project will require about 10 days of work, which will see very small seismic recording devices placed around the town.
The firm doing the work is currently finishing a job in Drumhellar, and hope to get started in Crossfield as soon as they can, but may have to wait until the fall depending on the condition of the ground. If it is too wet, the firm cannot do their imaging.
Crossfield Mayor Nathan Anderson, who requested the firm donate more than double their first offer said he is impressed with TransCanada’s willingness to participate in the Berm Beautification Project.
“That shows a lot of good faith on their part. We are always very happy when we get private partnerships, it shows that we can work together in our community,” said Anderson.
“That $10,000 will buy a lot of trees.”
The Berm Beautification Project started this past fall, with the planting of some shrubs, but will kick into high gear next year as the soon to be released Crossfield Town budget is expected to have about $40,000 set aside for this project.
“We are more than doubling the investment from last year,” he said.
Anderson said that while there will be no safety or structural integrity problems created from the seismic work in the town, he does feel some residents will be inconvenienced.
“I felt that for them bringing in six-tonne vehicles and vibrating the earth, there will be some inconvenience for the people,” said Anderson.
“It’s a private project for their own benefit, but (TransCanada) really great and stepped up.”
Crossfield Mayor Nathan Anderson received a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal at the March 5 council meeting.
He was presented the medal by Deputy Mayor Jo Tennant, and said he was surprised to be receiving it.
“I was surprised that I would win an award for anything, I am just getting started,” said Anderson.
“I felt humility that people would consider me as someone who has given back to their community.”
Anderson has been the mayor of Crossfield since 2011.
Anderson says it’s encouraging for him to get the medal, but said there are countless volunteers in Crossfield who deserve the recognition more.
“When you are recognized, the best way to put it is that you feel quite humbled. You become optimistic that the work you are doing is good.”
Anderson spoke about the importance of recognition for volunteers in any community, and how the Diamond Jubilee is a great way to recognize them.
“I view this as a worthwhile program, it has created a positive buzz in communities all over the country,” said Anderson.
