DATE ISSUED: April 29, 2021

The BC Energy Regulator (Regulator) has provided a combined $150,000 in funding to four post-secondary institutions to support environmental research and technology initiatives.

“This funding helps further research in the natural sciences sector,” said the Regulator’s CEO Paul Jeakins. “With these grants we’re hoping to enable the development of new opportunities and innovation that help turn promising research into real benefits for British Columbians.”

A grant of $50,000 was provided to the University of British Columbia (UBC) to help fund its methane and groundwater research programs linked to oil and gas development in British Columbia. “This funding from the BC Energy Regulator allows us to continue our research into the impacts on near-surface groundwater of energy resource development in northeastern British Columbia. Our goal is to serve communities, governments and industries by providing a knowledge base to support decision making about the environment and development,” said Roger Beckie, Professor, UBC Energy and Environment Research Institute.

A grant of $34,000 was provided to Selkirk College, with the money being directed towards the College’s Geographic Information System (GIS) program, and National Science and Engineering Research Council research program. "Selkirk College is grateful to receive this contribution from the BC Energy Regulator which will benefit the GIS program and specifically our five-year Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council funded applied research program. The funding will advance new technologies such as Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems and LiDAR and will help support related curriculum development," said Dr. Brendan Wilson, School Chair, Environment and Geomatics.

A grant of $33,000 was provided to Camosun College, where the money will help replace their current fleet of aging GPS units. Satellite navigation technology is constantly evolving, and industry is matching these changes with new equipment that give more accurate field results. “By upgrading to the latest technology and increasing our overall number of units, we will be able to offer our students a more current and state-of-the art education. This will help improve their learning experience and allow them to be more competitive in the job market. This is a very exciting opportunity for the program and will help us remain current with a strong reputation for providing relevant environmental field skills,” said Emrys Prussin, Chair of Environmental Technology at Camosun College.

A grant of $33,000 was provided to the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) where the money is being directed towards the GIS program. “We are so grateful for the generous contribution from the BC Energy Regulator towards the BCIT Geomatics Information Systems (GIS) program,” said Jackie Jacob, Executive Director, BCIT Foundation. “The Regulator’s tremendous gift means we can further support the success of our students by funding the GIS Achievement Awards, GIS conference fees for eligible students, and the spatial data warehouse for GIS lab datasets and student projects.”

"In addition to graduation achievement awards, it will enable students to receive financial support to attend GIS conferences and network with GIS professionals outside BCIT. The funds will also enable the creation of centralized data storage. Such a 'spatial data warehouse' will facilitate student research projects, practicums and data sharing within BCIT,” said Mike Hill, M.Sc., Program Head / Faculty – Geographic Information Systems, BCIT School of Construction & the Environment.

If you have any questions regarding this News Release, please contact:

Lannea Parfitt
Manager, Communications
BC Energy Regulator
Lannea.Parfitt@BCOGC.ca
250-980-6081