The newly established WestMET Community Fund, created in partnership with the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA), has awarded its first round of grants—providing $35,760 in funding to nine organizations serving rural communities in Special Area No. 2, the Town of Hanna, and the Village of Youngstown.
The fund, launched in February 2025 by WestMET Group Canada Ltd., is part of the company’s long-term commitment to investing in the regions surrounding its Hanna Sheerness Solar Project, located on reclaimed coal mine land.
WestMET, CFSEA, and local grant recipients came together to mark the first-ever funding from the WestMET Community Fund
The first grants, ranging between $2,000 and $7,500, support projects focused on recreation, education, infrastructure, heritage, and community celebration. Recipients of the Spring 2025 WestMET Community Grant include:
- Youngstown and District Community Centre – Hot water tank installation for skating rink
- Diamond Jubilee Recreation and Culture Centre – Ice plant repairs
- Hanna Figure Skating Club – Hanna Fun Skate Event 2026
- Empress and District Fine Arts, Cultural Society – Community Hall kitchen equipment
- Prairie Land Public School Division – Outdoor learning and fitness space
- C. Charyk Hanna School – Kinder-Prep Program
- Lynks Harvest Sky Society – 50 Years of Impact community celebration
- Hanna and District Historical Society – 2025–2026 operations
- Richdale Community Association – Community Spirit 2025 event
“With the Sheerness legacy coal mine journey coming to an end that had decades of success delivering a reliable and cheap power source to our province since the late 1980’s, it is an honour in our next phase as we develop new products and opportunities like the solar field through WestMET’s reclaim lands, to give something back to the surrounding community that has supported the mine throughout so many years,” commented Kyle Hobbs, Director of Operations at WestMET. “We are thankful to the Advisory Committee and CFSEA for making an easy, sustainable solution to support the local community for years to come.”
Applications were reviewed by an Advisory Committee made up of representatives from each supported area, WestMET Group, and CFSEA.
“This fund reflects a forward-thinking approach to giving,” says Niki Gray, Executive Director of the Community Foundation. “WestMET’s commitment not only addresses today’s community needs, but it also builds a legacy of impact across Special Area No. 2, Hanna, and Youngstown. We are incredibly proud to help bring this vision to life.”
The next application cycle for the WestMET Community Grant will open in early spring 2026. Full eligibility criteria and guidelines can be found at cfsea.ca/westmet-communitygrant/.
About the WestMET Community Fund
The WestMET Community Fund is a donor-advised endowment fund established through CFSEA. Each year, a portion of WestMET’s contribution is distributed through direct grants, while the remainder is invested to provide long-term support for future community needs in Special Area No. 2, Hanna, and Youngstown.
As WestMET continues to grow and expand its portfolio of sustainable products and services within the province, WestMET will remain committed to fostering a culture that gives back to the local communities. Supporting and strengthening these communities will remain a fundamental part of WestMET’s growth.
For more information, please contact:
Emily Conley
grants@cfsea.ca
403.527.9038