The new partnership will provide support for the 2019 Canada Games Host Society and the construction of the Gary W. Harris Centre for Health, Wellness & Sport on Red Deer College’s main campus.
“We are excited to partner with Red Deer College and the 2019 Canada Winter Games to present the best of central Alberta to the nation in 2019 under a shared theme of sustainability,” says NOVA Chemicals Manufacturing Director, Western Canada, Rick Van Hemmen. “At NOVA Chemicals we are actively engaged in a sustainability journey and are passionate about demonstrating our commitment through a broad range of company initiatives. We are pleased to participate and share our thoughts and ideas as a community builder, sustainability leader and partner.”

The major contribution will be divided equally, with $1 million supporting the construction of the Gary W. Harris Centre for Health, Wellness & Sport and $1 million as a Pillar Sponsor of the 2019 Canada Games.

The City of Red Deer was awarded the 2019 Canada Games in September 2014, creating an opportunity for organizations, governments and community partners to show the best of Red Deer to the nation. As the largest multi-sport event for youth in Canada, more than 3,600 athletes from across Canada will compete for gold in 19 sports during the 2019 Canada Winter Games. With a forecasted economic impact of more than $132 million, the 2019 Games will be the largest multi-sport event to be hosted in Alberta in nearly three decades.

“With just over three years until the 2019 Canada Winter Games, we are pleased to welcome NOVA Chemicals as the Sustainability Pillar Sponsor of the 2019 Games,” says Lyn Radford, Board Chair of the 2019 Canada Winter Games Host Society. “This unique partnership embodies the spirit of giving and enthusiasm that central Alberta is known for. With the support of NOVA Chemicals, the 2019 Games will leave a legacy of sustainability that will create lasting positive environmental, social and economic benefits that will remain in our community long after the 2019 Games.”

The Gary W. Harris Centre for Health, Wellness & Sport will host a number of events in the 2019 Games and will also play a vital role in the future of Red Deer College, complete with teaching and learning spaces that will support students and programs primarily in RDC’s School of Health Sciences.

NOVA Chemicals has an already strong relationship with Red Deer College, including a $1 million donation in 2006 which focused on program development in the Centre for Trades & Technology and the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing facility expansion project. The organization has also

provided more than $235,000 in student scholarships and awards in an extensive history of giving to RDC which to this point has totalled nearly $3.5 million in support, dating back to 1984.
“NOVA Chemicals has shown a long-standing commitment to the success of our region and our College,” says RDC President and CEO Joel Ward. “They understand the role that our learners are playing in the sustainability of our region, and we are privileged to have their support in creating the post-secondary opportunities that central Albertans require.”

The Gary W. Harris Centre for Health, Wellness & Sport is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2018, with an estimated cost of $88 million, funded through a combination of donations, partnerships and government funding.