Being a respectful and exceptional neighbour is at the heart of Parkland’s Burnaby Refinery operations and its staff. It guides every action and decision that they undertake and ensures our work reflects Parkland’s values of safety, integrity, community, and respect.
A central pillar in Burnaby since the 1930s, Parkland’s Burnaby Refinery is dedicated to moving communities forward through innovation, quality, and a commitment to transporting fuels which support their collective economy and lifestyle. “Parkland represents about 3% of Canada’s 1.865 million barrels per day of total refining capacity, but an estimated 92% of the country’s renewable refining throughput. In 2022, the renewable fuel we produced and sold resulted in an emissions reduction equivalent to taking 113,000 cars off the road,” says Alex Coles, Vice President and General Manager, Parkland Burnaby Refinery.
Whether it is the goods delivered to grocery stores, the fuels for their vehicles or the continuous work of the marine safety team to preserve our beloved natural settings – these all reflect Parkland’s community commitments.
The theme of community resonates throughout every aspect of the refinery, a tradition that commenced over eighty-five years ago and one the team proudly upholds for future generations.
“We have great people who are doing exceptional things in our community,” explains Coles. “We are committed to contributing to our community by sharing our expertise, knowledge, and kindness.”
“We have a long track record of supporting local community organizations that provide necessary and quality programs for a wide range of Burnaby residents. Organizations that we consistently support include the Burnaby Hospital Foundation, Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society, Burnaby Neighbourhood House, Burnaby Community Services, Dixon Transition Society, Confederation Seniors Centre, Big Sisters, Junior Achievement of BC, and Variety – The Children’s Charity,” Coles adds.
This year, Parkland initiated a partnership with the BC Cancer Foundation and the Vancouver Cancer Drivers Society to provide funds to transport cancer patients who reside in the community.
The Burnaby Central Railway, a volunteer-based miniature train serving the community, is one of Burnaby’s most beloved and long standing attractions, and a close neighbour to the Refinery. The railway experienced challenges as a result of the pandemic, which prompted Parkland to enter into a partnership with them. As part of the partnership, Parkland is providing three years’ worth of fuel to operate the train, as well as gas cards for volunteers who keep those trains moving for the community.
The Refinery extends support to xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations for their community activities and initiatives. Additionally, Parkland is delighted to provide scholarship opportunities in collaboration with UBC, BCIT, SFU, the Pacific Association for First Nations Women, and Indspire.
Beyond corporate giving, Parkland also encourages its employees to selflessly step up. They host an annual community appreciation event to gather neighbours for a fun evening. Most recently, Parkland contributed substantially to the Back-to-School Backpack Campaign at xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Parkland Pledge is the cornerstone of the organization’s community giving program, where the company provides its eligible full-time permanent employees with funds to donate to the causes that matter most to them, enabling employees to embody Parkland’s core value of community. At Parkland’s Burnaby Refinery, giving back to the community is a priority. It is one way they are “Powering what moves people.”
