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Pipeline boom anticipated in Haines Junction, Yukon Fifth in series: General store manager says community would benefit from jobs, possible regional exploration associated with natural gas pipeline project Patricia Jones PNA Contributing Writer
Seasonal road construction makes a big impact on Madley’s General Store, located right in the heart of this northern Canadian community. “It’s been excellent for us this summer, as they (road crews) move up the highway,” said J.C. Mitchell, manager of Haines Junction’s retail and financial services provider.
Construction booms are welcome He expects a similar type of short-term financial boom, should a natural gas pipeline ever be built along the Alaska Highway.
“It will be a flash thing — not like something that will stay forever,” he said, during an afternoon break on the store’s front deck overlooking the main drag in Haines Junction. “It will be a short impact.”
But those seasonal construction booms are welcome in this community of roughly 800 Yukoners. In fact, Mitchell describes strong local support for a gas pipeline project that tracks the Alaska Highway.
“Everybody wants it,” he said. “If they do not admit that, it’s because they’re afraid to offend someone who wants the pristine environment.” He predicts a positive turnaround for the community, should the project ever be built through Haines Junction.
“It would probably be the happiest the town would ever be, because everybody would be working,” Mitchell said. “No jobs are created in Haines Junction — it’s either feast or famine.”
For example, more people worked as laborers on the road construction projects this last summer, compared to past years. “They’ll collect employment insurance and now will have money to spend through the winter,” Mitchell said. “They won’t be so angry, because they can still go out, buy a Ski-doo or take a vacation.”
A gas pipeline could also lower fuel and power costs for Madley’s, he said, an expense that runs roughly $50,000 a year for the combination grocery store, post office, bank and ATM location. “Electricity is crazy all through the Yukon,” he said. “It’s not like Alberta, with its natural gas.”
Finally, a gas pipeline could provide incentive for oil and gas exploration in that part of the Yukon, said Mitchell, adding that he’s worked in Grande Prairie’s gas fields in past years.
“I’d rather see them start drilling for gas around here,” he said. “The water has sulfur in it here.”
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