May 5, 2018 — Dignitaries from the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec, the Regional Municipality of Brome-Missisquoi (MRC), the Town of Bedford, Bedford Township and Stanbridge Station today joined Graymont representatives and employees to celebrate the official launch of the Bedford Heritage Project, an innovative initiative that will ensure the long-term operations of one of the largest employers in the region.
Also present at the ceremony were representatives of the Missisquoi Agricultural Society and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, along with several of the principals of Graymont and members of the Company’s Board of Directors.
“Today’s ceremony represents an important milestone, the culmination of years of hard work and careful planning,” commented Graymont President and CEO Stéphane Godin. Extensive consultations were held with key stakeholders, including local and regional governments, representatives of the Government of Quebec, the agricultural sector, community groups and residents. “The realization of the Heritage Project is a great example of what we can achieve through collaboration based on mutual respect,” added Mr. Godin. “We were able to find innovative solutions that benefit all parties involved.”
Mr. Godin saluted the mayors, and other local representatives, noting that they have worked diligently to promote the interests of their citizens and maximize the benefits of the Heritage Project for the community.
Project includes the creation of a new regional park
First conceived in 2011, the Heritage Project offers an innovative long-term solution to the challenge Graymont faced in terms of dealing with unusable stone from the Bedford quarry. The project essentially involves stacking the unusable stone on site, then covering it with earth and vegetation to create a new regional park and green space. The park will encompass three man-made hillocks, which will incorporate the basic infrastructure of the park as well as a children’s playground, an amphitheater, a chalet housing an exhibition area, and hiking trails.
Other important elements of the Heritage Project include the establishment of a fund to cover the management, maintenance and security costs associated with the new recreational green space and several related community initiatives. Finally, a monitoring committee will be formed to oversee the smooth progress of the work.
For more information, visit the Heritage Project website: http://projetheritage.ca/index.php?pid=home&lid=en.
Information center to be set up
Graymont will open an information booth in downtown Bedford, which will welcome immediate neighbours of the project beginning May 14, and from May 19 on will open its doors to all citizens of the community who wish to learn more about the Heritage Project. A project template will be on display and Graymont staff will be on site to present highlights and answer questions.
The Heritage Project is based on the three pillars of sustainable development – economic, environmental and social – all of which are necessary for the long-term success of such an endeavour. The project will significantly extend the long-term operational life of the Bedford Plant, safeguarding not only direct employment at Graymont’s operations but also numerous indirect jobs among local suppliers and communities – which together account for an estimated 15% share of economic activity in the Greater Bedford area.
Implementation of the Heritage Project will be carried out in accordance with world-class environmental standards, and Graymont will use best construction practices in order to minimize the impact on the community and adjacent farmland. Ultimately, the future regional park will be an undeniable attraction for the region and its residents.
About Graymont
Graymont is an emerging global leader in the supply of lime and limestone products. It serves major markets throughout the United States and Canada, and has extended its reach into the Asia-Pacific region. Graymont also has a significant investment in Grupo Calidra, the largest lime producer in Mexico.
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