Fort Simpson (Feb 21/03) - Much needs to be done in preparation for a Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

Dennis Nelner, regional petroleum advisor for the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development, conveyed that message to Fort Simpson village council on Monday night.

It was the first of several presentations Nelner plans to make to community political bodies throughout the Deh Cho this month.

He said he is seeking a better understanding of community needs to help plan for benefits agreements and strategies to deal with impacts from the massive project. The pipeline could inject tens of millions of dollars into the region and temporarily woo thousands of workers. An application for a Mackenzie Valley pipeline is expected to be filed sometime this year. Construction could begin two to three years after that.

"It's absolutely imperative that we look at planning," Nelner said. "We need those business skills. We need to know how to negotiate contracts to joint venture agreements that are solid, not a front for a Southern company."

Impacts on local health centres, travel routes and landfills are certain, he noted. The demand for housing will rise.

There is also a need to bolster the small business community and education so maximum benefits can be realized, he said. School are not producing graduates who can get a running start in the oil and gas industry, according to Nelner.

"It's a problem. These kids are not getting the work ethic we need ... they're just not getting that training," he said, adding that safety certification is a top priority to work in the oil patch.

He suggested that the Deh Cho could lobby to be the site of a technical training centre.

There is also a need to teach money management skills. The pipeline project, and to a greater extent the ensuing exploration for oil and natural gas, will pay the local workforce handsomely, he noted.

Another potential opportunity will be gasification, converting Deh Cho communities to natural gas. That would result in reduced carbon dioxide emissions and reduced heating fuel costs, he said.

"It will be a benefit that every person in this community can put in their pockets," Nelner told council.

Coun. Sean Whelly asked whether the village should be seeking its own impact benefits agreement.

"Why not?" Nelner asked.