The Town of Athabasca is in a unique position to capitalize on the growth in Wabasca.
Athabasca town councillor George Hawryuk brought his thoughts on the opportunity to council last week.
ìWe are talking about this economic boom, and itís obviously evident more and more,î he said. ìIt would be nice if this council took the first initial steps towards a closer relationship with that particular part of Alberta.î
He expanded to say the town must be prepared to react to the activity in Wabasca.
ìThis town, we will become a bedroom community to the region and to people working in Wabasca,î he said. ìJust to quote one of the councillors from Wabasca, he said Wabasca itself has about 600 residents, and there are three camps of 20,000 workers around. These people have to go somewhere. I think we have a great opportunity to sell ourselves to that region.î
Hawryluk stated that as leaders of the community, the council should be taking the first steps in making everyone aware of the opportunity that is facing them.
Wabascaís growth is set to reach a new level with the proposed steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) oil recovery project for the area. The project would bring camps to the area, and most of the workers would live in outlying communities to raise their families.
Councillor Lionel Cherniwchan stated he wanted to see the Athabasca and District Chamber of Commerce get involved.
ìWe have to let them know we have the services in Athabasca,î Cherniwchan said. ìWe should have people out there, the chamber should be doing that, people who are making a living off serving people who come through the community.î
Hawryluk will present at the next chamber of commerce meeting to discuss the idea of getting the chamber involved.
The idea will also be passed onto the economic development officer at the town.
ìI think it is important as business owners that we are reaching our arms out to people in Wabasca,î Mayor Roger Morrill said. ìI know my business services a lot of people from that community.î
Councillor Colleen Powell said she thought it was a good idea.
ìSome of the workers may live here permanently, others may want a place to live,î she said. ìThere is housing in Athabasca. There are services we can offer.î
