Derek Neary
Northern News Services

FORT LIARD (Jul 31/98) - Since Ranger Oil found a gas deposit near Fort Liard in March, things have really taken off for Beaver Enterprises.

An Acho Dene Koe-owned company, Beaver Enterprises had its best year in terms of gross revenue and profits last year. This fiscal year could see them triple that with wages and benefits estimated to reach $4 million, according to Shane Parrish, general manager of Liard Valley Band development corporation.

By this winter, 200-300 people are expected to be employed through the local gas industry, said Parrish.

"To achieve that goal, we're going to need help from other communities," he said. He added that the area was opened to exploration about four years ago with the intent of providing employment for the residents of Fort Liard. But it has become apparent that there's plenty of work for other Northerners, particularly for those from other bands in the area, he said.

So far this summer, Ranger Oil Ltd. has done 67 kilometres of seismic work in the nearby mountains while Chevron is in the process of conducting 200 kilometres of similar testing in the area. When the gas is ready to be extracted, there's talk of drilling a $10 million, 24-kilometre pipeline through the mountains to tie into existing Amoco infrastructure at Pointed Mountain, according to Parrish. That project could get under way by this winter.

Beaver Enterprises, also involved in construction and highway maintenance, has been providing heavy equipment for the exploration site and has performed a variety of tasks in the area. As well, the camp sites in Liard and at the exploration site north of the community, have to be maintained and the 200 workers have to be fed each day.

Larry Veilleux, community affairs co-ordinator for Ranger Oil, said the gas project has been a learning experience for his company and the Fort Liard development corporation, but it has led to a strengthening partnership.

"We've utilized their services right up to capacity, as much as we can now," Veilleux said, acknowledging the growing resource base in the region.

"They've done a phenomenal job with their camp situation and the construction end is growing."

The Acho Dene Koe's Liard group of companies also comprises Deh Cho Air, Deh Cho Helicopters and the Liard Valley Fuel Centre.

Veilleux also noted that the skills learned through the venture will be applicable in other communities as gas exploration continues.

"We won't have to worry about looking for any outside help," he said.

Some people from the area are undergoing technical training at NISKU in Alberta.

The NWT Community Mobilization Strategy group has also entered the picture to help manage resources.