 | E-mail this story |  | Write letter to editor |  | Order a classified ad |
| E-mail this story | | Write letter to editor | | Order a classified ad |
Andrew Gaule, president of the Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce, said local merchants and contractors want to start talking about pipeline opportunities soon, before they get "frozen out."
Imperial Oil's Darrell Becker replied that he and his colleagues are willing to meet with the chamber to talk in greater detail.
Imperial Oil, leading a consortium of oil and gas companies interested in a Mackenzie Valley pipeline, hosted an open house and a public meeting on May 29. The evening meeting, which drew about 20 people, was the first of many to be held in the pipeline corridor communities.
This is the first year of a three-year "project definition" phase of consultations and preliminary studies. The oil and gas companies have budgeted $250 million to cover expenses during this period.
"We're three years away from a decision. We've got time," Becker said. "The thing is to get the information out and know how to deal with it."
Fort Simpson Mayor Tom Wilson said he wants to see gas piped to Fort Simpson for power usage, even if it means having a smaller, separate line sent under the Mackenzie River.
Becker didn't dismiss the idea but he admitted he wasn't sure any company would guarantee floor prices -- that measure would help ensure natural gas costs don't surpass the costs for diesel, which Fort Simpson currently uses for power.
Becker noted that Wrigley has the best economic prospects for tying into the pipeline because of the short distance and no river to cross. Jean Marie River and Trout Lake, also considered to be along the pipeline corridor, are quite a distance away and it would cost "many millions of dollars" to service their tiny populations, he said.
Beyond economics, the potential pipeline has raised environmental concerns, such as pipeline ruptures, river crossings and possible affects on wildlife. Social concerns relating to an influx of workers and money are also an issue for some residents.
Becker reiterated several times that, ultimately, a decision to build cannot be made without agreement from the Deh Cho First Nations, who are striving to establish regional self government. He said Imperial Oil hopes to have benefits plans and access agreements negotiated with the First Nations in time to file a preliminary information package at the end of this year.
Pipeline facts and figures:
