Lafarge donates low-carbon concrete to First Nation project
Lafarge’s Hemlo ReadyMix Concrete Plant has been serving the region for more than 20 years.
A truck carries low-carbon concrete. – Lafarge Canada
Key Takeaways:
- Lafarge is donating $50,000 worth of low carbon concrete to Pic Mobert First Nation in Ontario.
- It is being used to build an on-reserve recreation sports park.
- The project will be used by more than 1,000 members of the local Indigenous community.
The Whole Story:
This holiday season, Lafarge Canada is giving the gift of concrete.
Lafarge announced it is donating $50,000 worth of ECOPact low-carbon concrete for the construction of Pic Mobert First Nation on-reserve recreational sports park.
The park will benefit a local Indigenous community of over 1,000 people in the long-term and it is part of the company’s commitment to support the development of local communities and the future generations.
“We acknowledged the historic challenges experienced by Indigenous Peoples when we developed our organization’s Human Rights action plan for Canada. We recognize the need to support First Nations & Métis Communities as a key focus group, especially when it comes to mental health support for youth. We feel honoured to be part of such an important youth sports initiative in Ontario”, commented David Redfern, president and CEO, Lafarge Canada (East).
ECOPact is sold at a range of low-carbon levels, from 30 per cent to 100 per cent less carbon emissions compared to standard concrete. Where regulatory conditions allow, ECOPact products integrate upcycled construction and demolition materials
“Our community is united in our resolve to provide hope, healing, and health to our People who continue to struggle in so many ways. Increasing opportunities for sports and recreation, especially for our children and youth, is a high priority that will be facilitated by the development of the new sports park. We could not have made this important project happen without the generous donation made by our friends and neighbours from Lafarge,” commented Chief Louis Kwissiwa, Pic Mobert First Nation.
Jared Paris, plant manager for Lafarge’s Hemlo ReadyMix Concrete Plant, noted that the facility has been operating and servicing the traditional lands of the Pic Mobert First Nation for more than 20 years, supplying concrete for new homes, a water treatment plant, and many other projects. The $750,000-project on the Pic Mobert First Nation reserve is being sponsored by a number of companies, including Lafarge Canada customers, showing their support for the Indigenous community.
Pic Mobert First Nation (Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg) is an Ojibwe community with two land bases, Pic Mobert South and Pic Mobert North, which lie off Highway 17 approximately 55 km east of Marathon, Ont. along the eastern shores of White Lake.
