Communities in Action
Sep 23, 2024, 16:55 PMFortisAlberta’s Communities in Action program was established to enhance community projects in our service territory, close to the hearts of our FortisAlberta employees.
Each year, two grants are awarded to community projects brought forward by our employees. These projects align with our commitment to safety, education, environment and wellness; and require the involvement of our employees to make them happen.
Ryan Pawlitzki, Power Line Technician in High River and longtime member of the High River Minor Ball Association recognized the need to have three baseball diamonds repaired in his community. Injuries had become common at this 30-year-old facility, leading the Town to close one diamond for safety reasons. When a teammate launched a campaign for refurbishment, Ryan saw an opportunity to apply for the Communities in Action grant.
During the multi-stage restoration project which included new shale, sod and fences, the exciting part arrived when the ball diamonds were fitted with branded FortisAlberta break-away base markers.
In 2023, the biking community in Taber was heartbroken by the sudden loss of Rowan Beckie, son of Operations Lead Malcolm Beckie. Rowan, a passionate mountain biker since childhood, was a beloved member of the Trail 77 Association, which advocates for maintained biking trails. In his memory, the association decided to name a new park after him, aiming to create a welcoming space for outdoor enthusiasts.
Malcolm received a Communities in Action grant to plant trees around the park’s perimeter, enhancing its aesthetic and providing shelter from the wind.
As part of the grant, FortisAlberta hosted barbecues associated with both initiatives; at the season-end ball tournament in High River and at the at the grand opening of the Rowan Beckie MTB Park.
FortisAlberta is proud to support such impactful local initiatives in our service territory.
