Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (May 31/02) - Now that the feasibility stage is over, it's time to think about stage two, project definition, said Mackenzie Gas project development executive Randy Ottenbreit.

The Imperial Oil executive flew into Fort Simpson Monday for an up close consultation meeting with the public, totalling many on Monday night.

Drowned out at times by a deafening racket of balls bouncing against the walls from the adjacent gymnasium at the Fort Simpson Recreation Centre, Ottenbreit did his best to explain the next phase in development and dispel community fears.

Many of the approximately 40 people in attendance were anxious to hear when the Mackenzie gas pipeline project will get underway.

Some wanted to know what kind of environmental impacts there would be. Others just wanted assurances that there would be enough jobs to go around at the end of the day.

"If people support the pipeline, and want the pipeline, is there any reason to wait three or four years?" asked village councillor Duncan Canvin.

"We don't want to take a shortcut in case we have regulatory approval that winds up in court," Ottenbreit said.

He explained that the present development phase will take at least that much time to clear the various regulatory review boards in the NWT, who themselves must consult with the public before approval of the pipeline can be given.

The opening of pipeline consultation offices in Fort Simpson, Inuvik and Norman Wells this summer will be there for that very purpose, said Ottenbreit.

"What we're trying to do is provide information to the communities, to hear their comments and consider them in our plans," said Ottenbreit.

Ernest Tonka, a long-time heavy machinery operator, wanted to know if gas companies are merely attempting to placate the region without offering any firm job security.

He spoke at length about his difficulties getting work when the Norman Wells pipeline was being constructed nearly 20 years ago, a victim of stringent union membership rules.

"Don't tell us all these things, and bring us back to the '80s when we got shafted," said Tonka. "Our people need a lot of healing. Can you deal with that?"

Ottenbreit refused to make any promises on behalf of the pipeline producers, saying, "I don't think it would be realistic that a Mackenzie Valley pipeline will solve all of the North's problems, but it's a step."

Aboriginal Pipeline Group executive Doug Cardinal stepped into the fray by saying this time the unions will be on board.

"The unions are on side with First Nations," said Cardinal.

"Last time around, they (aboriginal groups) weren't at the table to have a go at those benefits.

"We made it clear, if we don't get aboriginal support, we'll take our business elsewhere."

Public consultations are carrying on this week throughout the Deh Cho.