Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River (May 06/01) - Conoco Canada wants to get more involved in Hay River.

A five-person delegation from the oil and gas company paid a visit to the Hay River Chamber of Commerce April 26.

"We want to get more active and involved in the community," said Brian Plesuk, the company's manager of community and aboriginal affairs, from Calgary.

As an example, Plesuk noted the company has created a work experience partnership with a school in High Level, Alta., and is now exploring partnerships with Harry Camsell elementary school and Chief Sunrise Education Centre.

"We'd like to build a partnership based on their needs," he said.

The company operates a gas plant in Steen River in northern Alberta.

Ross Papirnick, the manager of operations at the Steen River gas plant, was asked about figures showing the company spent $4.5-$5 million in the High Level/Hay River area during the 2001-2002 winter program.

Of that total, $400,000-$500,000 was spent in Hay River.

Papirnick explained a lot of the money spent in the area went for specialized services available in High Level. "That's why it's lopsided. We'd like to see a better balance, too."

The money was spent on such things as drilling, logistics, seismic work and construction.