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SU M M ER 2 0 14
S Y N C R U D E C E L E B R AT E S 5 0 Y E A R S O F E X C E L L E N C E
S U M M E R 2 014
Meet your
neighbours
at the local
oil sands
company
TOGETHER
WE
BUILD
SUCCESS.
www.worleyparsons.com
RELATIONSHIPS
MATTER
Congratulations
Syncrude Canada
on 50 years
Congratulations,
Syncrude, on 50 years
of visionary leadership
in Canadas natural
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The Syncrude Project is a joint venture undertaking among Canadian Oil Sands Partnership #1, Imperial Oil Resources, Mocal Energy Limited, Murphy Oil Company Ltd., Nexen Oil Sands Partnership,
Sinopec Oil Sands Partnership, and Suncor Energy Ventures Partnership.
$
$
Together, Were
Taking Energy Further
TM
OILSANDSTODAY.CA
CANADAS ENERGY
WE'RE PRETTY GOOD AT THIS
CONTENTS
72
84
We dont
want to create
something that
resembles a
golf course.
Rochelle Young
110
127
RECLAMATION ROCKSTAR
University of Saskatchewan
researcher Lee Barbour is
studying water movement
over reclaimed landscapes
110
PLANNING FOR
THE FUTURE
Rochelle Young grew up in
Wood Buffalo and is working
at Syncrude to ensure the
landscape is reclaimed
84
SYNCRUDE
72
11
CONTENTS
START UP
FEATURES
19
MAKING A HOME
Over 50 years, Syncrude and
Wood Buffalo have grown up
side by side
22 FAMILY MATTERS
26 EVERYBODY WINS
30 ACADEMIC BONDS
33 RUBBER MEETS
THE ROAD
Employee volunteerism is
evident throughout
the community
CORNERSTONE
QUALITY
Historic investment in value-added
upgrading takes commitment but
yields benefits
115
63
REVERSING TIME
Syncrude funding, and fossil
finds, have helped paleontologists understand Albertas
prehistory
By Richelle Wiseman
89
HOME AWAY
FROM HOME
Guest workers have been a key
component of oil sands success
By David DiCenzo
PUTTING LOCAL
COMMUNITIES FIRST
Syncrude has deliberately helped
build Aboriginal-owned companies
through its procurement program
By Shannon Sutherland Smith
STRONG RETURNS
Solid partnerships lead to a successful
future, says Syncrude chair Ryan Kubik
SANDS COMPANY
Scott Sullivan believes Syncrudes
success is rooted in its commitment
to the community
By Martin Dover
42
ON THE COVER
Daniel and Doris Bona
12
38
138
63
55
NEIGHBOURS
56
UNDER PRESSURE
Keeping the lights and taps
working is no easy feat at
Syncrude
59
SMOOTH LANDING
Pilot John Farrington wanted a
career change without the stress
of changing companies
80
SAFETY CULTURE
The Mosengs Canadian Forces
training prepared them for
rewarding careers
59
REINVENTING
THE WHEELS
Stewart Johnsons research has
changed the way industry does
business
99 STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
The CoSyn Alliances Lloyd Goodine
is one of 550 people in Edmonton
working on Syncrude projects
138
LOCAL ROOTS
Its necessary to engage with the
communities where we work
IN THE COMMUNITY
37
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
Edmontons former mayor Stephen
Mandel congratulates Syncrude
96
129
ROLE MODELS
Aboriginal leaders JP Gladu
and Roberta Jamieson on their
partnerships with industry
MILESTONES
60
82
THE 1980s
86
THE 1990s
96
129
80
55
94
SYNCRUDE
38
13
ESCO Congratulates
ESCO helps mine sites and Oil Sands extraction processing facilities operate
more safely and efficiently. With a comprehensive range of products and services
including rebuild services, cast blades, and the new Nemisys and Ultralok Mining
G.E.T. systemsthe local ESCO Fort McMurray branch is backed by a global R&D,
manufacturing and technical support network.
Contact ESCO Fort McMurray today to learn more.
FORWARD
SUMMER 2014
PUBLISHER
Ruth Kelly
rkelly@venturepublishing.ca
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Paul Manuel
DIRECTOR OF CUSTOM CONTENT
Mifi Purvis
mpurvis@venturepublishing.ca
EDITOR
Geoffrey Morgan
gmorgan@venturepublishing.ca
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Lyndsie Bourgon
ART DIRECTOR
Charles Burke
cburke@venturepublishing.ca
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTORS
Andrea de Boer
Colin Spence
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Betty Feniak Smith
PRODUCTION TECHNICIANS
Brent Felzien, Brandon Hoover
VICE-PRESIDENT, SALES
Anita McGillis
amcgillis@venturepublishing.ca
Contributing Writers
Darren Campbell, Caleb Caswell,
David DiCenzo, Martin Dover, Steve Macleod,
Asheligh Mattern, Alex Migdal, Theodore White,
Shannon Sutherland Smith, Richelle Wiseman
Contributing Photographers
Brian Buchsdruecker, John Gaucher,
Darren Jaknisky, Joey Podlubny, Roth and
Ramberg, Constantine Tanusik, Curtis Trent
Cornerstone is published by
Venture Publishing Inc. for Syncrude Canada Ltd.
10259 105th Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 1E3
Toll Free: 1-866-227-4276
www.venturepublishing.ca
Syncrude Canada Ltd.
P.O. Bag 4023
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 3H5
Tel: 1-800-667-9494
www.syncrude.com
Non-deliverable mail should be directed to
Syncrude Canadas head office.
Dreaming Big
WE BUIL
T
SOMETHING
TOGETHER.
Our members have put in over 280 million hours on Syncrude jobs.
Thats a point of pride for us. We look forward to getting our hands dirty
to build on that success.
Congratulations on your first 50 years.
From your partners and friends at Building Trades of Alberta
www.clac.ca
1-888-finning | finning.ca
(346-6464)
Making
a Home
Syncrude is building a community
alongside its growing oil sands production
MICHELLE BAILEY
Michelle Bailey,
manager of
Club 63 North
SYNCRUDE
Lots of
Syncrude
employees
had five-year
plans, but
theyre still
working here
today.
19
START UP
FAST FACT:
CORNERSTONE
Source: CAPP,
Statistics Canada
20
START UP
Dan Bourque,
lifelong resident
of Fort McMurray
THREE GENERATIONS:
Dan (left), Randy (middle) and Gary Bourque (right)
followed in the footsteps of their father and grandfather
to establish careers at Syncrude.
Family Matters
CORNERSTONE
22
FAST FACT:
SYNCRUDE
23
START UP
The Northern
Alberta Mosaic
Culturally diverse Fort McMurray
is like a miniature United Nations
WHEN FORMER SYNCRUDE CANADA LTD.
CEO Scott Sullivan was invited to give a short
speech at beginning of the Fort McMurray
Chinese-Canadian Cultural Societys Lunar New
Year celebrations, very few in the audience expected
him to give his introductory remarks in Mandarin.
While Sullivan self-effacingly says the remarks
were fairly basic, he nevertheless impressed the
attendees and was met with a standing ovation.
Fort McMurray may be a remote community,
but as Sullivan discovered, its extremely diverse.
CORNERSTONE
24
MARKAZ UL ISLAM
What it does: The Markaz Ul Islam mosque in Fort
McMurray serves as a house of worship and runs an
Islamic school in the city, giving the citys Muslims a
place to meet.
Did you know? Fort McMurray was home to the northernmost mosque in Canada until the construction of the
Islamic Centre in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
S Y N C R U D E C A N A D A LT D .
Congratulations on 50 years
of Building Partnerships, Community,
and Prosperity.
START UP
Everybody Wins
CORNERSTONE
A HELPING HAND:
Now that Trudy Boostrom has been through the
Syncrude Aboriginal Trades Program, she wants
to help other Aboriginal men and women.
26
Safety Technology
Congratulations Syncrude
on 50 years of success and
your continued commitment
to a sustainable future.
Jonathan W McCully, CD
www.sharekco.com
START UP
I want to help
get Aboriginal
men and
women
through this
program, and
keep them
here and
keep them
providing for
their families.
28
ANOTHER STANDOUT:
Tabitha Quintal is another one of several SATP
success stories inspiring others in her community.
CORNERSTONE
Trudy Boostrom,
on her way to a ticket
START UP
Academic Bonds
Syncrude has benefited from the work of the worlds top researchers, and vice versa
SYNCRUDES RELATIONSHIPS
with the post-secondary and
research world have been ongoing
for nearly 50 years, and its no
surprise. Syncrude started as a
research organization and has kept
up links to the academic world,
furthering the companys business
and technologies. Over the past
five years, it has funded more than
$18 million in research programs,
and has provided millions more for
scholarships, learning programs
and campus infrastructure.
CORNERSTONE
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
Syncrudes $500,000 donation in 2011 to the
University of Alberta supports the Discover E and
WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering,
Science and Technology) outreach programs for
K-12 students in the Wood Buffalo region. The
Discover E program, led by the U of As Faculty of
Engineering, helps students experience the excitement of engineering, science and technology.
30
MACEWAN UNIVERSITY
Syncrudes 2012 donation of $250,000 to MacEwan
Universitys Bachelor of Science in the Engineering
Transfer program supports the programs Engineering Boot Camp, the Engineering SolidWorks
Workshop and the Student Research Showcase.
KEYANO COLLEGE
In 2008, Syncrude committed $5 million
to Keyano College for the Syncrude
Aboriginal Trades Preparation program
and the Oil Sands Power and Process Lab.
Syncrude also runs a wildlife survey project with Keyano College. It is measuring
the presence of large terrestrial mammals
on the Syncrude site and comparing it
with surrounding areas.
UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
Syncrude committed more than
$1.3 million in 2012 towards
geoscientist Dr. Lee Barbours
Hydrogeological Characterization of
Oil Sands Mine Closure Landforms
research into the performance of
reclaimed mining areas.
QUEENS UNIVERSITY
The Queens School of Computing is
researching monitoring of vibrating
screens, a sieve-like process that
separates uncrushed rock and debris
from the oil sands. The university is
developing technology to help Syncrude
measure the wear on the screens.
Congratulations
SynCrude
keyano.ca
CONGRATULATIONS SYNCRUDE
CANADA ON YOUR 50TH YEAR.
Ledcors expertise in delivering fully integrated services provides
clients and partners solutions to successfully execute complex
projects while supporting operations and future development plans.
We look forward to your next 50 years of success!
VISIT LEDCOR.COM
START UP
FAST FACT:
Syncrude is investing
$2.7 billion to implement
tailings management
technologies.
Source: Canadian Oil
Sands Limited
SYNCRUDE
33
CORNERSTONE
Diane
Shannon says
Syncrudes
involvement
isnt just
important for
United Ways
initiatives,
but also for
the entire
community.
34
START UP
NEIGHBOURLY ACTIONS
Syncrude supports community involvement among its
employees and retirees through the companys Good Neighbours
Program. The program provides grants to non-profits where employees and retirees volunteer their time.
In 2013, Syncrude distributed $116,000 to 70 non-profit organizations through the efforts of nearly 200 Syncrude employees and
retirees. Syncrude also provided dozens of busing grants, valued
at $80,000, to many of the same organizations to offset the cost of
travel to out-of-town tournaments and events.
CONGRATULATIONS
ON YOUR 50TH
ANNIVERSARY!
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IN THE COMMUNITY
Golden Anniversary
The former Edmonton mayor knows that Syncrudes
success has been of an operational and communitybuilding nature in northern Alberta
STEPHEN MANDEL
Much as
Syncrude was
a pioneer in
advancing
the oil
sands, it also
understood
the
importance
of strong
relationships
with our
First Nations
and Mtis
communities.
SYNCRUDE
37
CORNERSTONE
NEIGHBOURS
38
Like Mother,
Like Son
For the Bona family, Syncrude-supported
volunteerism is just a part of the
company culture
BY Geoffrey Morgan PHOTOGRAPHY Roth and Ramberg
GROWING UP
TOGETHER
Daniel is now
acting as an
ambassador
for Syncrude,
encouraging
others to join
the company,
just like his
mother
and father
encouraged
him to start his
career in the
oil sands.
Celebrating 50 years of excellence
SYNCRUDE
39
CONGRATULATIONS
SYNCRUDE
on a successful 50 years!
WWW.MIDLITE.CA
ROCKY BUKSA
President
CURTIS NELSON
General Manager
The
Wonder
Years
CORNERSTONE
42
BRAIN POWER:
Richard Maslanko builds on 50
years of Syncrude research.
43
SYNCRUDE
We were
establishing
what the
best set of
conditions
was, or
multiple
millions of
dollars would
be lost by
being off
by just one
per cent.
Richard Maslanko,
at home in the lab
S
CORNERSTONE
YNCRUDES 78,000-SQUARE-FOOT
lab splays out across nearly a hectare of
land in the Edmonton Research Park.
At the entrance, four long rows of
plaques bearing patents obtained by the
companys scientists stretch across the
lobby towards an aquarium, where two
koi and one goldfish swim in water taken from a
tailings pond.
The water is clear and the fish are swimming in
it because it was filtered through petroleum coke,
a byproduct of Syncrudes process of upgrading
bitumen into crude oil. This research project is now
being tested on a larger scale, and its responsible for
another of the plaques mounted on the wall. It represents one of 140 patents earned by Syncrude, which
began researching how to develop the oil sands 14
years before mining its first barrel of crude oil.
44
Congratulations
Syncrude
on your
50th anniversary
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FAST FACT:
At 10 C, bitumen is as
hard as a hockey puck.
Source: Petroleum
Human Resources
Council of Canada.
Though the
companys
early years
largely
focused on
extraction, now
environment
and reclamation research
makes up 60
per cent of
the research
portfolio.
A history of successful
research partnerships
www.engineering.ualberta.ca
Faculty of
ENGINEERING
University of Alberta
In 1920, University of Alberta engineering professor Karl Clark began researching ways to
develop Albertas oil sands, in partnership with the fledgling Alberta Research Council. Dr. Clark
developed the original hot-water extraction techniques used in modern oil sands operations.
The Faculty of Engineering has continued to be the partner of choice for the responsible
development of our natural resources in collaborations with industry and government.
For more information on research partnerships that work, such as our almost
50 years of interaction and collaboration with Syncrude Canada Ltd., visit
www.engineering.ualberta.ca/research
CORNERSTONE
48
LAND-LOCKED SAILOR:
Paul Kearney aboard an Ontario-built boat
used to manage Syncrudes tailings.
SYNCRUDE
49
T
This work
fits our fort
to a tee, he
says. Its an
interesting
project and
there were
a number
of different
challenges
we faced.
FAST FACT:
CORNERSTONE
Source: CERI
50
BOATING ENTHUSIASTS:
Ontarios Hike Metal hopes to do more
work in the oil sands after building four
boats for Syncrude.
FAST FACT:
CORNERSTONE
Source: CAPP
52
ANNE MCLELLAN
STEEL MAKERS:
ADF Group of Montreal supplied and fabricated
3,400 tons of structural steel for the construction
of Syncrudes FFT-Centrifuge Full Scale Plant.
Your partner,
today and in the future
in the country. In 2012, $1.32 billion or 17 per
cent of Syncrudes total expenditures were spent
outside Alberta. Kearney, who hails from New
Waterford, a coal mining town on Cape Breton
Island, says he sees examples every time he visits
home of how Syncrude, and the oil sands sector, is
providing employment and opportunities for people
from his hometown.
When I moved out to Fort McMurray 25 years
ago, very few people in Nova Scotia knew about
it, Kearney says. Youre going where? theyd say.
They knew about Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton, but now you go back and every second person
knows someone who is commuting or who is living
in Fort McMurray.
Clearly, Syncrudes economic impact on Alberta
and Canada has come a long way since it the company was founded in 1964. Kearney says he feels good
about his role at Syncrude and how the company and
the sector he works in fits into Canadas economic
picture. I came here and got in on the ground floor
and its evolved into a company and an industry
thats providing huge opportunity and economic
activity across the country.
Congratulations Syncrude
on your 50th Anniversary
Proudly serving Syncrude Canada Ltd. since 1987
Safety First! 1805 days/650,033 hours without
a lost time incident on Syncrude Sites.
Toll Free 1-855-560-5050
www.ncsg.com
Recipient
of the 2014
Trade Contractor
of the Year Award
NEIGHBOURS
Theyre
looking at
things a little
bit differently
because
theyre trained
to do so.
Byron Stacey,
volunteer firefighter
BYRON STACEY
SYNCRUDE
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
at Syncrude have bragging rights
over the emergency rescue teams
of other oil sands operators and,
indeed, other fire departments
around the country. In 2013,
Syncrudes volunteer emergency
response team won first and third
place overall at the national FireFit championships in Edmonton.
Byron Stacey is more than a
little proud of his teams accomplishments, partly because he
was a volunteer brigade member
for Syncrude when he first joined
the company as an electricians
apprentice in 1988. After a decade
at the company, and a decade as
a volunteer on the rescue team,
Stacey applied for a full-time
position at the fire hall and started
as a fire specialist there in 1998. He
worked his way up the ladder, to
lieutenant, then to captain, then
emergency coordinator and now
hes deputy chief.
Its through the fire hall that
Stacey knows first-hand the
opportunities Syncrude provides
for forging new careers and accommodating personal goals. Not
only did Stacey become a ticketed
electrician while at Syncrude, but
through safety and rescue training
provided by the firehall, he also
completed his emergency medical
technician (EMT) training. In fact,
Syncrude provides first aid, fire
and rescue training for its entire
volunteer brigade, all of whom
are employed throughout the
companys operations.
As a result, there are dozens of
emergency responders with high
levels of safety training spread
throughout Syncrudes operations,
55
CORNERSTONE
NEIGHBOURS
56
CHRIS AUSTIN
Under Pressure
Keeping the lights on and the taps running
is an impressive part of the workday at an
industrial operation
BY Geoffrey Morgan PHOTOGRAPHY BY Roth and Ramberg
Even as
Syncrude
grows, adding
infrastructure
to manage its
tailings and
emissions,
it wants to
continue
being energy
self-sufficient.
SYNCRUDE
57
PROUD TO
SUPPORT
SYNCRUDE
For more than 30 years, KBR has had the
privilege of working side-by-side with
Syncrude, providing field construction
and module and fabrication services
for some of its largest and most demanding
oil sands projects. We are pleased to
salute Syncrude on its golden anniversary
and look forward to many more years of
successful collaboration.
50
Serving the Oil and Gas, Oil Sands, Petrochemical, Mining, Pulp & Paper Industries Since 1951
www.kbr.com
We Deliver
NEIGHBOURS
Smooth Landing
To spend more time with his family, longtime
pilot John Farrington switched careers and
learned to drive a heavy-haul truck
BY Lyndsie Bourgon PHOTOGRAPHY BY Roth and Ramberg
I wanted a
change that
would put
me where the
action was, out
at the mine.
John Farrington,
still great at the controls
JOHN FARRINGTON
SYNCRUDE
59
MILESTONES
60
CORNERSTONE
60
CELEBRATING SYNCRUDES
MANLUK
From full forging capabilities to over 1/4 million sq. ft of automated
machine centers, fully automatic PTA and HVOF booths, molycoating
and nitriding facilities, lapping and grinding tables, along with
highly skilled in house engineers and quality control technicians.
Manluk delivers world class product and performance by combining
quality craftsmanship with leading edge technology
They are the one-stop facility with full turn-key capability.
MANLUK
MANUFACTURING
E CELLENCE
Time
BY Richelle Wiseman
SYNCRUDE
Reversing
63
More than
100 million
years ago,
ancient
rivers fed
the Western
Interior
Seaway,
covering
dead marine
animals
with silt.
Buried Treasure
April 1, 1992
April 1994
CORNERSTONE
64
February 9, 1998
October 1, 1999
SYNCRUDE
65
VISIT US ON
www.bmel.ca
FAST FACT:
HEAD CASE:
A fossilized plesiosaur skull preserved
at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller.
January 8, 2000
SYNCRUDE
67
Syncrude uses
MAXBOLT
Load-Indicating Fasteners
Untitled-2 1
3/06/2014 1:50:54 PM
www.vfbolts.com
sales@vfbolts.com
Proud of the
company we keep
At Fluor, we measure our success in long term relationships,
repeat clients and continuously adding value to our clients
business models. We look at our long term Syncrude relationship
with a balance of humility, appreciation and pride. Thank you
for your trust in us as we support your vision of securing Canadas
energy future.
www.fluor.com
2014 Fluor Corporation.
ADCA104514
www.kmcmining.com
ROBERT SERFAS
MAGGY HORVATH
It was exciting,
and I wanted to
preserve what
I found, even
though I didnt
know exactly
what it was.
Then I found
out the fossil
was 110 million
years old.
Robert Serfas,
Syncrude operator
In the
event one of
our shovel
operators
discovers what
they believe
is a fossil, we
cordon off the
area until one
of our folks can
come out and
take a better
look.
Lorne Shearing,
manager, Mildred Lake
Mining
DistributionNOW
is proud to celebrate
Syncrudes
th
Anniversary
50
Formerly NOV Wilson
distributionnow.com
Oh,
CORNERSTONE
Give Them a
72
HOME
The Beaver Creek bison
herd has grown from 30
to 300 in two decades of
Syncrude stewardship
SYNCRUDE
BY David DiCenzo
73
The ranch is a
joint venture
between
Syncrude
and the Fort
McKay First
Nation, who
are working to
manage and
maintain the
herd.
CONGRATULATIONS
for
50 YEARS
of Securing
Canadas Energy Future
When Billboard Direct reflects on the achievements Syncrude Canada
has accomplished over the last 50 years,
it is definitely a milestone worth celebrating!
Brad Ramstead,
Syncrude, reclamations
SYNCRUDE
These bison
are back on
their ancestral
land.
77
The Beaver
Creek herd
is also an
important part
of the genetic
preservation
of the wood
bison species.
FAST FACT:
CORNERSTONE
Source: AESRD
78
indspire.ca
NEIGHBOURS
LARRY MOSENG
Safety Culture
Multiple generations of the Moseng
family apply their military training to
instill a mindset of safer behaviour
CORNERSTONE
80
Were
developing
a behaviourbased side to
safety with our
personnel,
lowering their
risk tolerance.
Deanna Moseng,
Syncrude safety, health
and environment leader
DEANNA MOSENG
SYNCRUDE
81
MILESTONES
80
The 1980s
SYNCRUDE TACKLED A SEVERE
recession in the early 1980s by
focusing on growth through
capacity addition. New projects
provided work to employees at a
time when other companies were
scaling back. The company placed
a new focus on increasing production by seeking new and creative
ways to get more oil sand to the
extraction plant.
1982: Just four years after
producing its first barrel of
oil, Syncrude sends its 100
millionth barrel down the
pipeline in July 1982
CORNERSTONE
82
CORNERSTONE
NEIGHBOURS
84
LEE BARBOUR
Reclamation Rockstar
Syncrude funding helps a University of Saskatchewan
researcher better understand watersheds
BY Ashleigh Mattern PHOTOGRAPHY BY John Gaucher
Water is the
foundation of
any reclaimed
sites success,
and Barbours
work will create
tools that track
the evolution
of these landscapes.
SYNCRUDE
85
MILESTONES
90
The 1990s
THE 1990S SAW SYNCRUDE
change the way it mined oil sand,
and developed a new technology
to remotely mine and extract
bitumen from ore. The National
Oil Sands Task Force, headed by
Syncrude CEO Eric Newell, led
to new royalty and tax terms for
the industry, leading to rapid
expansion.
1992: Syncrude plants its one
millionth tree on reclaimed land
CORNERSTONE
86
Home
BY David DiCenzo
SYNCRUDE
HOME
Away From
89
90
Blakely says
that visionary
thinking has
been part of
the companys
history.
Syncrude
focused on the
longer term.
FAST FACT:
SYNCRUDE
91
2014 Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
www.flexonics.ca
ALUMA -
YOUR SINGLE
SOURCE.
NEIGHBOURS
The
experience
and the
interest in
the job was
so good
that I hung
around.
Stewart Johnson,
company innovator
FAST FACT:
CORNERSTONE
Source: CAPP
94
STEWART JOHNSON
WilkSyncrudeAd2
4/22/14
9:07 AM
Page 1
Congratulations to everyone
at Syncrude on your 50th
Anniversary!
Wilkinson is proud to have been a key supplier
to Syncrude for your MRO needs since Day 1!
Congratulations
Syncrude on your
50th Anniversary!
www.wilkinsonsteel.ca
www.samuel.com
www.golder.com
CORNERSTONE
96
SYNCRUDE
IN THE COMMUNITY
97
noraltalodge.com
NEIGHBOURS
Strategic Alliances
Syncrudes long-term partnership with Edmonton companies
makes it an important contributor to the citys economy
BY Caleb Caswell PHOTOGRAPHY BY Curtis Trent
FAST FACT:
Oil production is
forecast to reach at
least 4 million barrels
per day by 2020.
Source: Petroleum
Human Resources
Council of Canada.
- Edmontons Mayor
Don Iveson
LLOYD GOODINE,
CoSyn Technologies.
We know
these engineers give back,
whether its for
a corporate
challenge or
organizations
like the United
Way. Its
great to have
companies like
this choose
Edmonton.
SYNCRUDE
99
MILESTONES
200
The 2000s
WITH THE OPENING OF
the Aurora North mine, 35
kilometres northeast of Mildred
Lake, Syncrudes production
increases rapidly. Emphasis is
placed on innovative projects
in extraction as well as environmental reclamation.
2000: Syncrude begins work
with Caterpillar to develop and
test the first 400-tonne trucks
Caterpillars 797B in the oil
sands
CORNERSTONE
100
CORNERSTONE
102
HISTORICAL INVESTMENT:
Syncrudes investments in its upgrader
have enabled the company to produce
value-added crude oil.
Quantity
Quality
Meets
SYNCRUDE
Syncrudes historical
investment in upgrading
brings benefit to Canada
and shows off amazing
technical innovation.
Here is a day in pictures
103
TRADING TIME:
Syncrudes blended
product trades at
prices comparable
to West Texas
Intermediate (WTI) and
at times commands a
premium over indices
like Edmonton Par and
Western Canadian
Select.
SYNCRUDE
CAPACITY:
Syncrude Canada Ltd. has a production capacity
of approximately 350,000 barrels of oil per day
all of which is a high quality, low-sulphur light,
sweet crude oil.
105
TECHNICAL EDGE:
Syncrudes upgrader is a sprawling complex of
pipes, furnaces, conveyor belts and separation
facilities all operated from a computerized control
centre. With a few key strokes, Syncrude staff
can open and close valves, make temperature
adjustments inside furnaces and keep the steady
flow of oil sands products moving.
106
JUST AN UPGRADER?
In the mind of the general public, theres
little distinction between a refinery and an
upgrader. But there is. Refineries make products
like motor oil, gasoline and diesel that can be
put to use in cars and trucks. Upgraders take
ultra-heavy oil and turn it into light oil before a
refinery turns it into a product of everyday use.
Syncrudes upgrading facilities also produce
diesel fuel, which the company uses for its
heavy-haul trucks in its oil sands mine.
CORNERSTONE
SWEET SUCCESS:
The companys upgrader boasts the worlds largest
vacuum distillation unit and largest fluid cokers, allowing
Syncrude to separate large quantities of light-gas oil,
heavy-gas oil and naphtha from the bitumen it extracts
from oil sand. Syncrude also has the worlds largest
hydrogen plant. It enables sweetening of the product
by removing sulphur, thereby allowing the company to
squeeze the most value out of its product possible.
Venture is privileged
to have produced
this commemorative
magazine on
the occasion of
Syncrudes 50th
anniversary. It has
been an honour to
chronicle the stories
of the people and
innovation which
have built this energy
giant to its current
level of success.
S
E
R
V
I
Congratulations
E ofSyncrude
on 50 years
innovation!
FAST FACT:
TODD HIRSCH
PREMIUM UNLEADED:
US $/bbl
WCS
$20
Edmonton Light
Synthetic
$10
West
Texas
Intermediate
$0
($10)
($20)
($30)
CORNERSTONE
($40)
108
($50)
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Jul-12
Jan-13
Jul-13
Jan-14
GardaWorld is proud to be
associated with Syncrude
Canadas 50th anniversary
commemorative magazine
GardaWorld prides itself by always proposing a
local approach of doing business. We recognize
the importance of giving back by having a positive
impact on the communities where our employees
live and work.
Congratulations on
your 50 years of endless
contribution in shaping
Albertas business
landscape
garda.com
CORNERSTONE
NEIGHBOURS
110
ROCHELLE YOUNG
Planning for
the Future
Rochelle Young is working to implement
plans that will return the landscape to its
natural state
BY Lyndsie Bourgon PHOTOGRAPHY BY John Gaucher
Through
my whole
career, I feel
Ive been able
to be a part of
environmental
improvement.
Rochelle Young,
team lead, Mildred
Lake tailings and lease
development planning
SYNCRUDE
111
IN THE COMMUNITY
CORNERSTONE
112
to describe environmental
science is that the children learn
and internalize the content.
Students learn how specific
actions like turning down the
heat or turning off the lights can
benefit endangered species like the
polar bear or whooping crane,
says Sean Fraser of Evergreen
Theatre. More than 300 students
at Father J.A. Turcotte and Dr. K.
A. Clark elementary schools in
Fort McMurray went through the
program in 2013.
Chemistry Delivered.
4/15/14 8:53:26 AM
Thank you.
Way to go
on turning
the BIG
50!
lockwoodint.com
Communities
First
BY Shannon Sutherland Smith
SYNCRUDE
Putting Local
DOUG WEBB
115
N
Were just
really grateful
that a big
company like
Syncrude
believed in
us and was
willing to
work with a
little guy.
CORNERSTONE
George Halfe
CEO at GLBC
116
BRIDGE BUILDER:
Syncrude Aboriginal business liaison Doug Webb
sees his role as a relationship builder.
CONGRATULATING
More than
centrifugal casting
and cast components
ON
POWER PRODUCTS
9204 - 37 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6E 5L4
Tel: 780-455-2260
www.frontierpower.com
Congratulations
to Syncrude on
50 years!
I hope to
increase
Aboriginal
involvement in
the region and
ensure success
in business
for those
companies we
work with.
CORNERSTONE
Doug Webb,
Syncrude Aboriginal
business liaison
118
CHERYL ALEXANDER
Congratulations Syncrude
on your
50
th Anniversary
www.albertainnovatestechfutures.ca
2014-04-15 12:49 PM
NICOLE BOURQUE-BOUCHIER
resulted in a 27 per cent increase in Aboriginal spending at Syncrude over 2012. It has been estimated that
Aboriginal-owned and controlled corporations now
account for more than $1 billion in annual revenues
from the oil sands, and entrepreneurs like BourqueBouchier hope to see the next generation benefit as
well. The motivating factor for us in starting our
business was the freedom, and we also wanted to be
mentors to our children to show them that if they
want something, giving it their maximum effort all
the time can make them successful.
When the
Northeastern
Alberta
Aboriginal
Business
Association
was able to
get the ear of
Syncrude, the
association
really took
root.
Nicole Bourque-Bouchier
past president, NAABA
MILESTONES
50
CORNERSTONE
122
HERES TO
50 YEARS!
CONGRATULATIONS
SYNCRUDE CANADA
www.acuren.com
a Rockwood Company
BennettJones_SyncrudeCommAd_CMYK_3PgHoriz v2.indd 1
25/04/2014 10:00:23 AM
Telecommunication and Infrastructure Specialists for the Oil & Gas Industry
WWW.PRECOMSOL.COM
IN THE COMMUNITY
SYNCRUDE
125
Worldwide
www.jacobs.com
NEIGHBOURS
A Clear Solution
Scientific breakthrough turns
tailings water into life-sustaining
fish habitats
Warren Zubot,
research associate
You cant
wait until
youre done
mining. We
need to start
progressive
reclamation as
were going
along.
SYNCRUDE
BY Caleb Caswell
127
Need to minimize
your projects risk?
safety | project controls | performance
IN THE COMMUNITY
Role Models
It pays to become a long-term partner with
organizations that support Aboriginal people.
Canadians across the country feel the effects
Syncrude
has been PAR
Gold since
2001, the PAR
programs
longest
standing gold
member.
JP GLADU
SYNCRUDE
129
CONGRATULATIONS
To help turn Canadas vast oilsands deposits into valuable crude oil and petroleum
by-products for five decades is an extraordinary achievement with global
implications. At MNP, we recognize and celebrate Syncrude Canada and the
Syncrude partners exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence.
Congratulations on 50 years of business success and may the future hold many more.
Contact MNP for all of your Oil Industry needs at 1.877.500.0792
Some donors
give and then
move on to the
next charity
or initiative.
Syncrude has
been a solid
partner for
more than 20
years.
Roberta Jamieson,
president and CEO,
Indspire
ROBERTA JAMIESON
SYNCRUDE
WITH A MANDATE TO
transform Aboriginal education,
Indspire (formerly the National
Aboriginal Achievement
Foundation) has been honouring
Aboriginal role models from
across Canada at the annual
Indspire Awards for more than
20 years. And as a sponsor of
the awards from the beginning,
Syncrude counts Indspire and its
programs among the companys
successes in working with
Aboriginal communities.
At the same time, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal
Business (CCAB) has validated
Syncrudes work with Aboriginal
communities. Syncrude is recognized as a Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program
gold level company, a distinction
it has held since 2001.
Roberta Jamieson, president
and CEO of Indspire, and Jean
Paul (JP) Gladu, president of the
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, sat down to talk
131
CORNERSTONE
132
CONGRATULATIONS
Syncrude Canada
on your 50th anniversary
We Do It
CONGRATULATIONS TO SYNCRUDE ON
50 YEARS!
BUILDING ALBERTA
SINCE 1898
Congratulations Syncrude
from Felesky Flynn LLP,
one of Canadas leading firms
dedicated to providing
legal advice in the complex
area of taxation law.
CALGARY
5000 Suncor Energy Centre
150 - 6 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2P 3Y7
(403) 260-3312
felesky@felesky.com
EDMONTON
1980 Manulife Place
10180 - 101 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 3S4
(780) 428-8310
edmonton@felesky.com
www.felesky.com
Yesterdays
Oil Sands
CORNERSTONE
136
SYNCRUDE
IN THE COMMUNITY
137
CORNERSTONE
NEIGHBOURS
138
DOUG WEBB
Local Roots
Foster Connections
Syncrudes head of Aboriginal procurement
knows the importance of being engaged in the
communities where the company operates
Doug Webb,
local champion
FAST FACT:
When
Syncrude
needs vendors
that can do a
certain kind
of work, they
come to
me and ask
if theres an
Aboriginal
business that
can help.
My job is to
bring them
together.
SYNCRUDE
139
CORNERSTONE
Road to Strong
140
RETURNS
Syncrude joint venture participant
Canadian Oil Sands Limited believes
solid project management will pave
the road to the future
-Ryan Kubik,
chair of the board
E LIKE WELL-EXECUTED
projects, Ryan Kubik says
of the investor perspective
on Syncrude.
For Kubik, chair of
Syncrudes board of
directors and also CEO of
joint venture participant Canadian Oil Sands Ltd.,
thats what makes a leader in the challenging oil
sands industry.
Kubik is referring to Syncrudes Aurora North
Mine Train Relocation project, which was completed months ahead of schedule and substantially
under budget. Its a somewhat unusual thing to
bring projects in under budget in the current oil
sands environment, he says.
Were going to be constructing similar facilities
going forward, says Kubik. We can take that
knowledge and experience, apply it and use it to
control the costs of future developments. Its a
positive indication of where we can go with future
capital and controlling future costs.
In fact, Kubik expects that as new Syncrudedeveloped technologies come online, the company
will be able to deliver increasingly strong results.
One of the most interesting things that were
doing with this new capital is to incorporate some
new technology, Kubik says. Over the last 50
years, Syncrude has been a demonstrated technology leader when it comes to both production
processes and environmental improvements.
Its easy to forget that this is a technology-based
industry, but Syncrude has helped invent this
business and it really is technology that is making
Syncrude
really has
come into
its own,
with great
results for its
investors and
an important
part of the
Canadian
economy.
SYNCRUDE
141
COMPANY
Scott Sullivan says
Syncrudes success
is rooted in its
commitment to
community
142
CONTINUED LEADERSHIP:
Former Syncrude president and CEO Scott Sullivan believes
the company will continue to lead the oil sands industry in
community relations and environmental stewardship.
CORNERSTONE
BY Martin Dover
YNCRUDE IS A
proven leader
in the oil sands
industry, but what
sets it apart? For
Scott Sullivan,
who served as its
president and CEO until earlier
this year, it means maintaining
the companys position as a
community-focused oil sands
producer. Syncrudes head office
and executive team are based
in the Regional Municipality of
Wood Buffalo, and Sullivan says,
We get great value out of being
a local company. Back in the day,
Fort McMurray was a very small
community and we were very
much a part of that community.
In a way, we are Fort McMurray
because we grew up together.
Over the course of 50 years,
and as Syncrudes northeastern
Alberta workforce has grown,
the company has encouraged
its employees to live in Fort
McMurray. In its early years it
built neighbourhoods through a
housing division called Northward
Developments, helping incoming
employees find places to live.
Sullivan says that over the
course of time, and through efforts
like the Good Neighbours grant
program for employees who are
community volunteers, Syncrude
has established itself as a leading
company in the region. Today,
he says, Syncrude has redoubled
its community relations efforts.
The company gives generously to
local causes, and has established a
Housing Support Program to help
its workforce purchase property in
Fort McMurray, and enable them
to make a long-term commitment
to the community.
The company has also strengthened its Aboriginal relations
efforts, with donations to Elder
Care facilities in Fort McKay and
Fort Chipewyan; the $2-million
Syncrude Aboriginal Trades
Program at Keyano College; and
the money it spends on procurement from Aboriginal-owned
Tranter, Inc.
Edmonton, AB Canada
Tel: (888) 465-1965
E-mail: servicecanada@tranter.com
Reclamation
is a long-term
process.
Working
closely
together with
Aboriginal
stakeholders
is important.
-Scott Sullivan,
former Syncrude
CEO
FAST FACT:
CORNERSTONE
144
BY THE NUMBERS
CORNERSTONE
1964:
Cities Service Athabasca Inc. 30%
Imperial Oil 30%
Richfield Oil Corp. 30%
Royalite Oil Co. Ltd. 10%
146
1978:
Province of Ontario 5%
Province of Alberta 10%
Government of Canada 15%
Gulf Oil Canada Ltd. 16.75%
Canada-Cities Service Ltd. 22%
Imperial Oil Limited 31.25%
Norman Wells
Fort Chipewyan
Fort McMurray
Deer Lake
Edmonton
Comox
St. Johns
Kamloops
Calgary
Vancouver
Kelowna
Saskatoon
Moncton
Winnipeg
Sydney
Halifax
Thunder Bay
Ottawa
London
Montreal
Hamilton