Our Story

In 1982, a major sour gas incident in Alberta exposed major failings in Canada’s energy sector.

The Lodgepole blowout killed two people and polluted the air for weeks. For nearly two months, it spewed toxic gases. Contamination spread as far as Saskatchewan. A public inquiry showed the event was largely the result of poorly regulated energy development.

In response, a group of rural Albertans came together to secure tougher regulations for drilling sour gas wells. These regulations were implemented across the province, and many remain in place today.

In 1984, the core members of the group formed the Pembina Institute.

Amoco sour gas blowout at Lodgepole near Drayton Valley, 1982

Edmonton Journal photo: Amoco sour gas blowout at Lodgepole near Drayton Valley, 1982. Source: Provincial Archives of Alberta, J3747-1

Key numbers

40 years
the Pembina Institute was founded in Drayton Valley, Alberta in 1984.
5
offices across Canada: Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver.
55
staff across the country.

A name to honour our roots

Our name comes from the Pembina River, to recognize our beginnings in Drayton Valley, Alberta. 

Water from the Pembina River eventually flows into the Arctic Ocean and is a reminder of the far-reaching impact local initiatives can have. 

Pembina River in Alberta - aerial view
The Pembina River from the air. (Photo: Robert Holmberg)

Decades of research and advocacy 

Our early work was driven by a small group of staff and volunteers. Their first projects reduced sulphur emissions in gas plants, developed a federal green plan, and helped create a new Alberta Environmental Protection Act. They also worked on global issues like fighting apartheid. 

Over time, energy and the environment became the focus. The team added technical engineering and brought on more specific scientific and economic expertise to add to their existing policy knowledge base. In the 2000s, we became known as an oilsands industry watchdog. We issued technical report cards on the impacts of oilsands mining and questioned the trend of in situ operations. As our reputation rose, our role expanded. 

In the 2010s, our work moved into more aspects of sustainability, including economic impacts, the transportation sector, and building healthy, resilient communities.

Pembina Institute staff in 2009
Staff retreat in 2009 in Nordegg, Alberta

The Pembina Institute today

We now have 50+ staff working across Canada.  Since our first meeting, we’ve always known meaningful collaboration is the only way forward. Today we continue to find solutions alongside businesses, governments, communities, Indigenous leaders, and non-government organizations.  

Our focus is still on energy policy. We are proud to be one of Canada’s most trusted sources of information, research, and analysis.  

As Canada navigates towards a net-zero energy economy, our work puts communities at the center of this transition.

Crowd at the Pembina Institute's Alberta Climate Summit in 2023
Pembina Institute events like the 2023 Alberta Climate Summit bring a wide-ranging audience together to discuss climate action