Good Neighbour Agreements
For years, oil and gas producers have entered into Good Neighbour Agreements in locations where operations could impact local wildlife or neighbouring landowners.
These agreements, involving the developer and other important stakeholders – landowners, environmental groups, government representatives – identify the commitment to listen to community concerns, and to act on issues that affect the local area.
A typical Good Neighbour Agreement (GNA) could include:
- Description of the type of operation proposed for the area, and how operations would impact neighbours and the environment
- A definition of how issues would be identified and resolved once the operation was under way
- Identification of a representative group to ensure the Agreement was followed by all parties
The Mustard Seed, along with the Beltline Communities and the Victoria Crossing Business Revitalization Zone, have created a Draft Good Neighbour Agreement in consultation with more than 20 other local residents and business representatives. The final Agreement will be signed before the new building opens its doors in 2012.
The Beltline Good Neighbour Agreement will provide:
- Consolidation of progressive life-change programs in the new building
- Relocation of emergency services to the Mustard Seed Foothills Shelter in southeast Calgary
- Elimination of lineups on Beltline sidewalks
- Establishment of an Alcohol- and Drug-Free (ADF) environment in the new building
- Method for administering the GNA once the new building opens
- Involvement of significant local stakeholders in the Good Neighbour Council on behalf of the entire Beltline community
