Chalk River, 2006 May 31 — Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) has signed on to be an Official Sponsor of this year’s Petawawa Civic Centre Days. The 10-day fun-filled festival is focused on building a strong and vibrant community, something AECL believes is a top priority for its employees.

Donna Roach (left), and Dawn Marrs (right) from AECL's Site and Community Affairs Office present a cheque for $1,000.00 to Cathie Lee, Festival and Special Events Coordinator for Parks and Recreation Petawawa, in support of Civic Centre Days. The money will be used to upgrade playgrounds, build a rock-climbing wall, and install a new basketball court.

“A large number of existing and new employees live in the Petawawa area,” says Donna Roach, Manager of Site and Community Affairs. “We believe that promoting and sponsoring active community living will help make life in the Ottawa Valley that much more enjoyable for everyone, and we are proud to be involved in this well-established event.”

The festival which runs June 9 – 18, includes a midway, ‘Karaoke Idol’ contest, fishing derby, an indoor planetarium, and a petting zoo. More information can be found at www.civiccentredays.ca.

“There is an event for just about everyone,” explains Mrs. Roach. “We are proud to sponsor a festival that helps bring families together, and supports the local community.”

The proceeds of this year’s festival will be used to upgrade playgrounds, build a rock climbing wall, and install a new basketball court.

“Our community is expanding rapidly,” says Cathie Lee, Festival and Special Events Coordinator for Parks and Recreation Petawawa. “With the influx of Canadian Forces members, and their families, and with all of the hiring going on at AECL, it’s important that we hold these festivals to bring people together. At the same time we are raising money for the local community. Everybody wins.”

About AECL

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is a fully integrated nuclear technology and services company providing services to nuclear utilities worldwide. Our 4,000 employees are dedicated to delivering leading edge nuclear services, R&D support, design and engineering, construction management, specialized technology and waste management and decommissioning in support of CANDU reactor products. CANDU reactors supply about 16% of Canada’s electricity and are an important component of clean-air energy programs on four continents. AECL is a crown corporation that was established in 1952 to develop peaceful applications of nuclear energy.

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For more information, contact:

Dawn Marrs
Site and Community Affairs Coordinator, AECL
Tel.: 613-584-8283
Email: marrsd@aecl.ca