We plan on being part of our communities for the long term, as residents, not simply as tenants. It is this long-term thinking that we incorporate into our approach to community engagement and charitable community investments.

Our community projects are focused on investing in people, to build community and individual capacity, rather than simply writing cheques and building facilities. We believe that this approach creates greater value and has a more lasting impact. As we engage with community leaders and residents, we identify what works well and where there are opportunities for improvement.

In some communities Agrium Wholesale has a significant presence – we employ a large percentage of the population, create business opportunities for local suppliers, and contribute to the tax base. We offer employment and other business opportunities in areas where sometimes few choices exist. We also share community infrastructure like roads, water and protective services.

Some examples of the way we engage with the community to achieve mutual benefits are:

• We continually convene Community Advisory Panels (CAP) for our Redwater and Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta facilities because they are located in areas with extensive industrial activities and growing populations.
• We collaborate with other businesses, community residents and governments on emergency preparedness committees.
• We regularly conduct door-to-door visits with neighbours of our production facilities.
• We offer tours at many of our facilities to students, customers and other groups.
• When we open, expand or close a facility we work to include community residents in this process through dialogue with community advisory groups, community meetings and open houses. We also work with local government officials and industry where appropriate.