September 17, 2014, Prince George, BC — Graymont, one of North America’s leading lime producers, and the Lheidli T’enneh are pleased to announce that they have entered into an agreement with respect to Graymont’s proposed new lime plant and quarry near Giscome, British Columbia.
The quarry operation and lime plant would be situated on the traditional territory of Lheidli T’enneh. Accordingly, a consultation process for the project was initiated with the Lheidli T’enneh. The agreement includes provisions for economic benefits for the Lheidli T’enneh, while also recognizing and addressing potential archaeological and environmental concerns, along with other issues such as traditional use that are specific to the project area.
“Lheidli T’enneh is very pleased to have reached this agreement with Graymont,” said Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dominic Frederick. “Graymont has been very respectful and has taken our concerns and interests seriously. This represents a critical step for an initiative that we believe will have a positive and lasting impact on the community of Lheidli T’enneh and the region.”
“The Giscome Project is important to Graymont and we look forward to working with the Lheidli T’enneh in the years ahead,” said Stéphane Godin, Graymont’s President and CEO. “This mutually beneficial agreement cements an already strong relationship.”
The project “will complement Graymont’s current network of plants to reliably serve existing and new customers across Western Canada and the North,” Mr. Godin added.
The agreement with the Lheidli T’enneh reflects Graymont’s commitment to world-class standards with respect to the environment and sustainability, and to making positive contributions to the communities where it operates.
The project will require approvals under the BC Environmental Assessment Act and from the Regional District. Graymont expect to finalize its initial consultations and complete the studies required by the Provincial Environmental Impact Assessment process by the end of October 2014. Assuming the receipt of all regulatory approvals in 2015, Graymont expects to start construction of the project in late 2015 and commence operations in 2017.
About Graymont
Graymont is North America’s second largest supplier of lime and lime-based products with facilities across the United States and Canada, and has a significant investment in Grupo Calidra, the largest lime producer in Mexico.
About Lheidli T’enneh
The word Lheidli means “where the two rivers flow together” referring to the confluence of the Nechako and Fraser rivers at Prince George and T’enneh means “the People”.
The Lheidli T’enneh’s traditional territory stretches over 4.3 million hectares, from the Rocky Mountains to the interior plateau, including the City of Prince George. The Lheidli T’enneh Indian Reserve # 1 is located where the Fraser and Nechako rivers meet. Downtown Prince George, neighbourhoods, and parks now reside on this site. The history of the Lheidli T’enneh people is an important part of the history of the City of Prince George and the entire region.
Lheidli T’enneh’s connection with the land is maintained through successful economic development, fisheries, forestry and land management initiatives. The Lheidli T’enneh have important partnerships with the City of Prince George, the Regional District of Fraser Fort George, the Prince George Airport Authority and Industry. The Lheidli T’enneh are open to develop and expand additional business relationships with Governments, Industry and other First Nations.
For further information, contact:
GRAYMONT
news@graymont.com
or
Keith Henry, Community Economic Development Manager
LHEIDLI T’ENNEH
T +1 250 562-0847 x 202
www.lheidli.ca
