Community investment

Community investment pillars that guide our corporate giving

Expand each pillar to see examples of some of TransAlta’s community investment partners and initiatives.

• Building an inclusive economy

  Building an inclusive economy

  TransAlta Women in Trades Scholarship – Our Women in Trades Scholarship is designed to encourage and assist women in obtaining post-secondary industrial trades education. The Women in Trades Scholarships are open from April to June yearly.

  Diamond Willow Youth Lodge – In partnership with the United Way of Calgary & Area, we provide designated funding to the Diamond Willow Youth Lodge, a safe place for Calgary Indigenous youth to connect with peers and participate in a variety of programs that promote health and wellness, education and employment preparation.

  Mount Royal University Foundation – We have a continued partnership with the Mount Royal University Foundation in support of the Indigenous Family Housing Program, which features an Indigenous family tipi in an outdoor space dedicated to Indigenous students and supporting Indigenous cultural programming.

• Supporting youth and education

  Supporting youth and education

  TransAlta Performing Arts Studio – In 2017, TransAlta, along with the Calgary Stampede Foundation, proudly unveiled the TransAlta Performing Arts Studio at Stampede Park. The 13,000 square-foot studio was designed to provide Calgary’s youth a year-round facility to rehearse, train and celebrate the arts. Open to both Calgary Stampede Foundation programming and Calgary’s youth performing arts groups, the TransAlta Performing Arts Studio supports both youth achievement and the community.

  HeartKids – TransAlta is a proud supporter of HeartKids, the only Australian not-for-profit organization focused solely on supporting and advocating for all people impacted by childhood onset heart disease – the largest cause of infant death in Australia. HeartKids’ purpose is to help these infants and their families lead the most fulfilling life possible and to reach their personal goals.

  TransAlta has supported numerous HeartKids appeals, including its Charity Bike Build for Kids programs and its annual Two Feet & A Heartbeat charity walk.

  Centralia College – TransAlta (through the Centralia Coal Transition Board) invested $1.3 million in the Southwest Washington Flexible Training Center, located at the Centralia College campus. The center is a 12,000 square foot facility that will expand the college’s ability to train-on-demand in response to and in anticipation of industry needs.

  Dr. Bob Mohrbacher, President of Centralia College said, “This new facility gives Centralia College the ability to extend our existing partnerships with local industry, with potential new employers coming to the area, and with area high schools. We can build up the local workforce and respond quickly to new training needs.”

• Powering clean and healthy communities

  Powering clean and healthy communities

  Calgary Health Foundation – TransAlta’s partnership with the Calgary Health Foundation to support the Newborn Needs campaign in support of the development of a new Foothills Medical Centre Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), serving all of southern Alberta. In 2023, TransAlta donated the final $200,000 of its $2 million commitment. The NICU will be a Centre of Excellence for Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and the world. The expanded, 58-bed, two-floor unit will double the NICU capacity and incorporate a hybrid model including both single rooms and open care spaces, ensuring each newborn is cared for in the most appropriate setting for their unique needs. In total, the roster of care providers and team members will exceed 350 individuals, all focused on ensuring the best possible outcomes for every single newborn who needs the NICU. This project will transform newborn and maternal healthcare across southern Alberta.

  United Way – The United Way provides TransAlta employees and retirees the opportunity to strengthen their communities and support those most in need. Each year, our employees engage in United Way fundraising activities and volunteer initiatives, and the company donates funds to United Way organizations across Canada and in the United States topping-up generous employee and retiree donations. In 2023, TransAlta employees, retirees, contractors and the Company raised over $1.5 million for the United Way across Canada and the US.

  TransAlta Tri-Leisure Centre – The TransAlta Tri-Leisure Centre is a sporting and recreation destination for many active and involved residents from the communities of Parkland County, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain in Alberta. At the facility, thousands of local residents and many of our employees participate in a wide range of sporting and cultural activities and join together in community causes.