Tours help foster informed dialogue through real-world experiences

At the heart of our oil sands business lies a commitment not only to operational excellence and responsible resource development but also to education and community engagement. Throughout the year, we open our doors – figuratively and literally – to welcome different groups eager to learn about the vital work we do.

“With the support of our dedicated field staff, we provide tours of our operations to a variety of stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, insurers, non-profits, and community leaders, as it’s the best way to inform people and dispel any misconceptions about what oil and gas operations actually look like,” says Reg Curren, Team Lead, Media & Issues Management.

One of the highlights of our outreach calendar is our annual Inside Education tour, an Alberta-based charitable organization we’ve invested in for over a decade.

In July, we welcomed a group of passionate educators from across Canada to our Christina Lake oil sands site for an immersive tour of our steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operations in northern Alberta. Through Inside Education’s programs, these teachers gain firsthand insights into the technologies and innovations shaping Canada’s energy future – insights they bring back to their classrooms.

The day started with a comprehensive presentation that ties together the technical, environmental and human aspects of our work as well as site safety. Participants began their tour with a stop at a former borrow pit, where they saw an important part of our land use and reclamation activities. It was then on to one of our well pads, to see firsthand how bitumen is produced with precision and care. From there, they visited the steam generation facilities, where the scale and sophistication of our infrastructure left a lasting impression. The tour concluded at the control room, the nerve center of our operations, where real-time data and expert oversight ensure safety and efficiency around the clock.

"We believe that transparency builds trust," says Reg. "By inviting educators into our world, we leave them with knowledge they can take back to their classrooms – and that ripple effect is incredibly powerful."

The impact was immediate and profound. Teachers left with a deeper understanding of oil sands operations and a newfound confidence in explaining complex energy topics to their students.

"Before this tour, I only had a vague idea of how oil sands resources are produced and how SAGD works," shared Brittany Madden, a grade 4 teacher from Airdrie, Alberta. "Now, I feel confident explaining it to my students. I was really impressed by how much care and precision goes into building and running these facilities safely – and how seriously the company takes its responsibility to the environment. I am excited to be able to share my experience with my students in the years to come and I have so many ideas for new learning activities it’s hard to wait for the school year to begin."

"Today’s students are faced with the challenge of navigating the portrayal of science on social media. The Inside Education program – supported by open organizations like Cenovus – offers authentic, firsthand experiences that ground classroom learning in reality. I now feel better equipped to tackle new topics and support my students on their journeys in science and the greater world. These tangible experiences extend the walls of the classroom enabling me to more aptly represent the industries, impacts and career opportunities for my students to take ownership of shaping their futures,” said Rachelia Pawluk, a high school science and biology teacher from Edmonton, Alberta.

These tours are part of a broader, ongoing effort across Cenovus to foster transparency and dialogue. Just this past May, we welcomed members of the Greater Lima Cenovus Community Advisory Panel for a guided tour of our Lima Refinery in Ohio. That visit offered another opportunity to showcase our operations, answer questions and strengthen community relationships.

Beyond operations tours, we will also host ‘take our kids to work’ and ‘take our parents to work’ days to give different generations insight into our industry through presentations of the work we do. These events give families a chance to experience the pride and purpose behind the work their loved ones do, while sparking curiosity and understanding in the next generation.

As we continue to welcome groups throughout the year – from students and educators to policymakers and community leaders – we remain committed to inspiring informed dialogue about energy, innovation and the future.

LAST UPDATED: AUGUST 2025