Activity Update Summer 2025

Exploring Innovation and Sustainability at Nova Chemicals’ Joffre Plant

On July 17th, members of the Red Deer River Municipal Users Group had the unique opportunity to tour the Nova Chemicals Manufacturing West plant in Joffre, Alberta. The visit provided an in-depth look at the plant’s operations and its commitment to sustainability. The Joffre plant is a world class facility that contains integrated petrochemical manufacturing, with three ethylene and two polyethylene manufacturing facilities. While we learned about their production facility, we also learned some other key items of their successful 50 years in Joffre.

During the tour, Nova Chemicals shared insights into their environmental initiatives. The plant has implemented several measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including energy-efficient technologies and waste reduction practices. The company is dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact, ensuring that their operations are as green as possible.

One of the key discussions was about Nova Chemicals’ reliance on water from the Red Deer River. The company emphasized their commitment to responsible water use, employing advanced recycling and treatment processes to ensure sustainability. Their business model is centered around circular economy principles, aiming to reduce waste and increase the reuse of resources. Any wastewater that is not repurposed as part of the operation is treated and returned to the Red Deer River.

Nova Chemicals operates its own fire and EMS services at the Joffre plant, and they extend these critical services to the local community, showcasing their commitment to not just industrial safety, but also community well being. Further more, they are actively supporting their local community other ways, such as United Way, supporting local government constituencies, 4-H, and other community groups, truly embodying their role as a good neighbour. Thank you to Nicole Wallace, Kaelynn Gillard and Crystal Workun from Nova Chemicals for their efforts in hosting us.

Ardley Dam

Following the Nova tour we were graciously hosted at the home of John and Allison Ireland, where a barbecue luncheon was provided. We were joined by interested councillors from Lacombe and Red Deer County as well. Thanks to Lacombe Reeve Shepherd, who assisted the Irelands with the luncheon.

Following lunch, we heard a brief update regarding some bylaw decisions that need to be made by the membership at its September 18th meeting. Then is was time to tour the potential site of the Ardley dam. The view of the Red Deer River is absolutely stunning from the Ireland property. We saw the deep valleys and could visualize the potential dam location. I hope our photos do the tour at least some justice. Huge thanks to the Irelands for hosting the afternoon portion of the RDRMUG tour. It is greatly appreciated.

We will hear more on the Ardley dam from officials with AB Environment during the afternoon portion of our September 18th meeting.