Since the early 2000’s, Valero Energy has invested several million dollars to acquire and revitalize land adjacent to the Jean Gaulin Refinery to create what is known as a “green belt” around the industrial footprint that it represents in Lévis, Québec.
Not only does this green shield provide residents in the region with an exceptional environment and a more natural landscape where they can partake in a wide range of activities, but it also affords privacy in the immediate vicinity of the Jean Gaulin Refinery. In total, these green spaces cover about 216 hectares.
Parc Les Écarts and Parc De la Jetée
Back in 2003, Valero purchased Parc Les Écarts and Parc de la Jetée bordering its port facilities. The 65-hectare Parc Valero Les Écarts has maintained its original recreational purpose, where the general public can enjoy this vast and picturesque space. This is in line with an important element of Valero’s vision, which holds that community projects must reflect the aspirations and needs of the community it is part of. Outdoors enthusiasts, for the most part, make use of the footpaths and mountain bike trails all year round.
At Valero’s initiative, green classes have been organized each year to teach elementary school students about the riches of this urban forest, which is populated by the red maples, aspens and pine trees. Moreover, it is home to over 100 species of birds and some 15 types of ferns, not to mention the many types of plants and flowers that are thriving in Parc Valero Les Écarts. From the time the green classes first began, more than 1000 students have discovered the rich biodiversity of this park while having fun at the same time!
The boisé de L’Abbaye and the Parc de la rivière Etchemin
Valero also undertook a project to revitalize and beautify the Parc de la rivière Etchemin where the boisé de l’Abbayé is located upon acquiring them in 2014. In collaboration with the City of Lévis, various community partners and its employees, Valero frequently organizes tree and bush plantings to maintain the green diversity needed to develop the biodiversity, ecological functions and enhancement of these natural gems. Some 11,250 trees of various types have been planted, and Valero intends to plant close to 30,000 more by 2025.
Valero’s ongoing investment in revitalizing and improving the green spaces it shares with the community is primarily intended to elicit the numerous benefits that trees and biodiversity can provide in so many different ways. Valero’s employees are very proud to support this large-scale project that is consistent with the company’s values of solidarity and helping one another.
