September 8, 2008

Modular Construction

First Nation part of Alberta oilsands housing project

RICHARD GILBERT

staff writer

A partnership between a First Nations group and an Alberta-based company is delivering housing and site support services to oilsands workers.

ATCO Frontec and the Fort McKay First Nation announced on Aug. 18 that an agreement has been signed to construct and operate the second phase of Barge Landing Lodge project for Albian Sands Energy.

ATCO Frontec is managing the design, engineering and construction of the new housing complex for oilsands workers north of Fort McMurray.

The company will also handle the day-to-day operations of the 800-room addition.

The Fort McKay First Nation operates a construction company that is supporting the development of the project.

“The group of companies is the mother ship,” said Philip Fitzpatrick, land manager with Fort McKay First Nation.

“We have seven companies from environmental to general contracting, fuel supply and property, as well as seven joint ventures, including ATCO.”

The Barge Landing Lodge project involves a full joint venture between ATCO and the Fort McKay Group of Companies, which is 100 per cent owned by the Fort McKay First Nation.

The construction arm of the group is providing on-site construction services.

“Its all about earth moving and hoe work,” explained Philips.

“We own about 20 or so 777’s, which is a 100 ton truck or a heavy hauler. We do a lot of dirt work or dirt moving.”

The housing complex is being built on First Nations land, which is leased for the project.

The company will be used exclusively on the project.

“There is a significant amount of earthworks involved, including clearing land, stripping land, building up a base, putting on sub-base and finished grades, and storm water ponds,” said George Lidgett, senior VP of operations with ATCO Frontec.

The new housing complex will be added to the existing Barge Landing Lodge, which was built for Suncor by ATCO Frontec and the Fort McKay First Nation in May.

According to Fitzpatrick, the first phase of the complex is made up of 1,435 rooms in modular units. The complex has a dining room, games room, fitness centre, meeting rooms, television rooms, laundry facilities and on-site parking.

When the second phase is completed, Barge landing will have 2,235 units of housing

“Phase two of the project began in late July with clearing of the land,” explained Lidgett.

The lodge is the second large-scale housing complex to be constructed and operated through the partnership.

The first housing complex was Creeburn Lake Lodge, which is across the street from Barge Landing Lodge.

“Creeburn had really difficult terrain,” said Fitzpatrick. “We had a couple of pieces of equipment break down.”

Despite this problem, Fitzpatrick said Creeburn is successful, due to its unique design.

“Creeburn doesn’t seem like a workers camp,” said Fitzpatrick.

“It’s a lot like a hotel, with individual showers and other services like access to the Internet.”

Creeburn is a 130,000-square-foot-lodge, which includes a dining room, licensed lounge, games room, fitness centre, meeting rooms, television rooms, laundry facilities and parking with plug-ins. Every room has a 26-inch TV, high-speed Internet and individual environment controls.

“Creeburn has been functioning for about a half a year, but we have already seen money from it,” he said.

“The way the new Barge Landing is going it is going to quadruple what Creeburn is bringing in.”

Together, Creeburn and Barge Landing will provide 3,235 rooms for oilsands workers.

Albian Sands Energy Inc. operates the Muskeg River Mine. The mine and the Scotford Upgrader together comprise the Athabasca Oilsands Project, which is a joint venture among Shell Canada (60 per cent), Chevron Canada Limited (20 per cent) and Marathon Oil Sands L.P. (20 per cent).

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