The Canadian Academy of Engineering
cae-acg.ca / Energy Pathways Project

Sarnia-Lambton Highlights Capabilities in Hosting Bitumen Upgrader Refinery

Sarnia, ON – A local coalition including representatives from the petrochemical, engineering and construction industries and the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park is taking out a full page advertisement in The Globe and Mail stating that Sarnia-Lambton “knows oil” and is ready, willing, and able to accommodate a bitumen upgrader refinery locally.

The ad is to appear Wednesday, May 21 alongside a special energy report.  The six page supplement highlights many of the major projects presented in a new book entitled Canada:  Becoming a Sustainable Energy Powerhouse, a collaborative effort between The Bowman Centre (located at the Research Park) and the Canadian Academy of Engineering Energy Pathways Task Force.  The book will be available Thursday, June 26 and provides a look at Canada’s energy future in light of three distinct challenges:

  •    Contributing to the increasing global energy demand;
  •    Contributing to reducing North America’s carbon footprint;
  •     Adding value to our energy exports.

“A bitumen upgrader would be a win-win for everyone”, said Dr. Katherine Albion, Director of the Bowman Centre at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park. “Canada gains significant export revenue, Alberta achieves new markets for its resources and products, Ontario acquires a major new industrial activity, and Sarnia-Lambton returns to its role as a leader in petroleum and petrochemical processing.”

The ad and new book come in response to opportunities identified at the Bitumen – Adding Value:  Canada’s National Opportunity conference held in Sarnia May 21 and 22, 2013.  The conference brought together representatives from the private sector, three levels of government, labour, lobby groups, agencies and technical professionals who shared perspectives on stemming the loss to Canada’s wealth inherent in exporting raw resources.  Particular emphasis was placed on the dramatic and accelerated increase in oil sands development envisioned during the coming decades.

The ad is supported by the County of Lambton, the City of Sarnia, Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, Lambton College, Western Engineering, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce, Sarnia-Lambton Industrial Alliance, Sarnia Building and Construction Trades Council, MIG Engineering, Kel-Gor, LamSar Inc., Lehder Environmental, Bluewater Power, Sarnia Construction Association, and SNC Lavalin.

-30-

Contact:

Katherine Albion                  

Director, The Bowman Centre

Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park

Telephone: 519-383-8303 ext. 240

email: kalbion@sarnialambtonresearchpark.ca

Share this article