Plant manager Justin Irving (left) accepts the stewardship award on behalf of Amrize Canada from Snakes on a Plain owner Sheri Monk. (Image Credit: Submitted Photo)

By Jesse Gill

wildlife stewardship

Snakes on a Plain Stewardship Award goes to Cypress County construction company

Feb 3, 2026 | 9:21 AM

The winner of the 2025 Snakes on a Plain Stewardship Award is a Cypress County construction company.

Amrize Canada, formerly known as Lafarge, has their Medicine Hat location based southwest of Dunmore.

A news release from Snakes on a Plain said that the stewardship award recognizes the site’s exemplary commitment to wildlife stewardship and coexistence with native snake species.

The release added that this included a year-long collaborative effort to safely manage a population of bull snakes that had established a seasonal basking site within an active work area.

—

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: April 2-5

21h ago

What's On

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in April

Apr 01, 2026

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: March 27-29

Mar 27, 2026

A bull snake basks in the crevice of a concrete block at the Medicine Hat Amrize Canada site. (Image Credit: Submitted Photo)

Rather than removing or harming the snakes, the site worked closely with Snakes on a Plain to implement a multi-phased, science-based solution.

This included the safe relocation of snakes, the construction of a new, purpose-built basking habitat, and the gradual modification of the original site to make it less attractive for snake use.

Snakes on a Plain stated that this deliberate process ensured the snakes could transition naturally without stress or mortality, while allowing operations to continue safely.

“This project is a textbook example of what good stewardship looks like in an industrial setting,” said the founder of Snakes on a Plain Sheri Monk.

“It took patience, planning, and a willingness to learn,” she added.

“Amrize Canada’s Medicine Hat staff didn’t just solve a short-term issue — they invested in a long-term coexistence strategy that benefits both people and wildlife.”

As part of the initiative, Amrize Canada employees also received snake conservation education delivered by Snakes on a Plain.

The snake relocation group said this helps improve on-site awareness, safety, and understanding of Alberta’s native snakes and their ecological role.

The Snakes on a Plain Stewardship Award was launched in 2025 to recognize agricultural producers, landowners, and industry partners in Alberta and Saskatchewan who demonstrate leadership in native snake conservation.

The award founder said that it celebrates a balanced approach to land use — one that values biodiversity alongside operational and economic realities.

—

Plant manager Justin Irving (left) accepts the stewardship award on behalf of Amrize Canada from Snakes on a Plain owner Sheri Monk. (Image Credit: Submitted Photo)

Monk said that Amrize Canada was selected as the inaugural recipient for its proactive mindset, commitment to habitat stewardship, and willingness to adopt a whole-system approach to wildlife management.

“This award shows that conservation and industry are not opposing forces,” Monk said.

“With the right approach, they can — and should — work together.”