Itís wise for Athabascaís town council to keep an eye on the growth in nearby Wabasca.
As councillor George Hawryluk pointed out at a recent council meeting, Wabasca is undergoing an economic boom thanks in no small part to the proposed steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) oil recovery project for the area. Thousands upon thousands of workers will be required for the project, and though camps will be built in the area, itís unlikely they will be able to accomodate everyone. Many will have to look to the outlying areas (like Athabasca) to settle down, either to commute to their jobs or to make a more permanent home and raise a family.
Hawryluk is right to be excited about this potential for growth and the economic boost it could mean for Athabasca. Nothing creates growth in a community like new job opportunities, and while this project wonít be in Athabasca itself, itís close enough that the town and county can still reap the rewards.
Councillor Lionel Cherniwchan also had a good point in the discussion, noting that the Town and its representative businesses have to be aggressive in selling themselves to the soon-to-be bustling community. Even the best product will go unpurchased if shoppers donít know itís available. People who have lived in this area for years may take for granted all of its amenities and features, but those new to the area wonít know about them unless theyíre told.
As development in Wabasca continues, it will be wise for all locals to keep an eye on it; there could be many unique opportunities on the way.
