SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Husky Oil's proposal to drill around Whitebeach Point is being met with mixed reaction here in Yellowknife.

In addition to being a culturally significant area to the Yellowknives Dene, Whitebeach Point is also used by snowmobilers from Yellowknife, who hold annual trail rides there. - photo courtesy of Bruce Hewlko

The company submitted its land use permit application to the Wek'eezhii Land and Water Board late last month, asking to drill 200 bore holes in the area. According to the application, Husky Oil Operations Ltd. is looking for high-quality silica in the Northwest Territories "to support ongoing oil and gas operations in Western Canada." Silica is used in the hydraulic fracturing process to keep fractures open.

Whitebeach Point is known for its long stretches of fine white sand.

But the decision to drill in the area isn't sitting well with some in Yellowknife. Bobby Drygeese, a Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) councillor who owns and operates B. Dene adventures, said the area has cultural significance to the Yellowknives and he's worried Husky isn't listening to their concerns.

"All those guys, they're a mining company, they just move forward no matter what. We want to make sure they know the cultural significance of that area," Drygeese said.

"We need to make sure they protect it as much as possible. They're a mining company so all they see is money from these lands."

While the Yellowknives, Tlicho and North Slave Metis Alliance were all asked by Husky to conduct traditional knowledge studies in the area, so far only the Yellowknives have submitted one. In it, the YKDFN state elders are concerned Husky's work in the area could disturb the graves of travelling hunters and trappers from long ago.

Their report also notes the area was the site of a significant battle between the Tlicho and Akaitcho in the 1820s. They recommend more detailed research take place if Husky ever moves beyond exploration.

The area is also well-known spot for recreation to Yellowknifers. Bruce Hewlko, president of the Great Slave Snowmobile Association, said his organization holds a trail ride annually through Whitebeach Point.

In an e-mail, Hewlko stated he has seen other riders use the area too, and added if the drilling contractor is careful, they can reduce the impact on the trail.

In their application, Husky states their operations will be based out of Yellowknife, lasting three to six weeks in March and April. They plan to construct a temporary four-to-six person camp and core shack in an existing GNWT quarry adjacent to the beach.

Husky also pointed out "in most cases" only small and shallow depressions and a small post will be left where drilling occurred.

The company may need to clear land around the drill holes, though, as well as clear land for up to six helicopter landing sites and a winter road from the highway to the point.

Concerns about the impact to the area aside, Husky's work at Whitebeach Point may help the local economy. In its application, the company stated it will use local workers and businesses whenever possible.

Deneen Everett, executive director of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, said she's optimistic.

"We're really excited about it and fully in support. It sounds like there's some valuable resources down there," she said.

Husky made a presentation to the chamber's board of directors late last year, Everett said, adding they were "straight forward and honest."

She said she doesn't have any concerns about the project and thinks their work will be done sustainably.

"It's great for the economy of the NWT and especially Yellowknife," Everett said.

The deadline for public input on Husky's application passed on Wednesday. When reached for comment, Husky spokesperson Kim Guttormson said it "wouldn't be appropriate" to say anything at this point, as their application is before the board.

She added the company is in the very early stages of looking for potential silica sources, and Whitebeach Point is one of several sites being considered

for development.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.