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'Time is of the essence'
Chris Clegg
South Peace News
A member of High Prairie town council’s economic development pursuit committee wants to meet with representatives from Petrobank Energy and Resources Ltd. as soon as possible.
Ross Burgar brought information about Petrobank to the committee meeting Jan. 25 and says it will be “an opportunity wasted” if the committee and/or town council does not act soon.
“We’re the closest community to this project,” said Burgar.
Petrobank uses The Thai Process to extract heavy oil and bitumen. They are active in the Seal Lake district prompting Burgar to tell the committee they need to be contacted and told what High Prairie has to offer.
“(Flint) have 30 families moving to Slave Lake or Peace River,” said Burgar, adding he has spoken to people from Slave Lake who are already reaping the benefits of Petrobank’s activity.
Economic development officer Brian Holmberg wasn’t so sure.
“I’m aware of Flint and what they’re doing,” said Holmberg, adding their focus is not High Prairie.
“They’re biggest thing is Wabasca,” he said.
Lesser Slave Lake Regional Economic Alliance director Greg Radstaak didn’t disagree with Holmberg but added it was important to recognize what Burgar was bringing forward.
“This is the third largest oilsands project,” said Raadstak, touting Seal Lake’s estimated 155 billion barrel of reserves. “It’s important to keep on top of that. I’d definitely be communicating with them.”
The committee passed a motion asking Holmberg to make a presentation to Petrobank as soon as possible citing High Prairie’s advantages.
“Time is of the essence,” said chamber president Gordon Olson, who also sits on the committee. “We don’t want Petrobank to consider Peace River.”
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