With the Long Lake Project and future oil sands expansions, OPTI and Nexen are engaged in developing a bountiful resource with a long lifespan and tremendous future growth potential.

Three years before the Long Lake Project received its regulatory and Board approvals, our first public consultations were conducted. As a result, a Community Consultation & Regulatory Affairs team was created with the mandate to ensure strong, ongoing communication with local communities and stakeholders. We also established a Community Advisory Council comprised of area residents, government and project representatives. The purpose of this council is to develop long-term relationships between area residents, the Long Lake Project and other participating area oil sands developers, based on respect and trust and an open exchange of information and ideas.

OPTI continues to build and maintain co-operative working relationships with our stakeholders and to invest time, energy and funds to build stronger communities.  To determine the thoughts and opinions of the local community, the Long Lake Project commissioned independing polling firm Ipsos Reid in November 2006 to conduct a Community Benchmark Survey.  According to Ipsos Reid, "The overarching conclusion to draw from this study is that OPTI Canada and Nexen are doing an excellent job so far with the Long Lake Project in terms of community relations."

Our community office, located in the hamlet of Anzac near the Long Lake site, plays a key role as a daily source of communication with local stakeholders.