$4-billion economic boost

[Dave Cooper, Bill Mah and Archie McLean – Journal Staff Writers – Edmonton]

Bitumen project near Redwater promises to deliver thousands of jobs

A $4-billion bitumen upgrader project near Edmonton is first out of the gate under Alberta’s modified royalty regime.

The North West Upgrading plant near Redwater became a 50/50 joint venture Thursday after it was revealed that oilsands giant Canadian Natural Resources will supply some bitumen feedstock and financial support.

The joint venture, which would employ up to 3,000 construction workers in each of its three planned phases, is almost ready to go, said North West chairman Ian MacGregor.

“We have more detailed engineering to do, but could sink piles this fall and start major work in 2011 with an opening in 2013.”

The upgrader would be a big shot in the arm for Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, said Don Rigney, mayor of Sturgeon County, site of the proposed project.

“It’s huge. We’ve really been pushing for value-added (projects) in Alberta. This means many longterm jobs as well as billions of dollars over the life cycle to both the Alberta and federal governments in taxes and the GDP it generates.”

The project will add an industrial base to the largely agricultural Sturgeon County, and will economically benefit the whole region, Rigney said.

“Many of the working people will live right in Edmonton. A good part of the construction and construction material and work that builds this will be sourced out of Edmonton.”