|
Whitehorse needs economic boost from pipeline Sixth in series: Yukon motel manager Mitch Malchow cites boost to slow economy as one benefit from natural gas pipeline project along Alaska Highway to northern Alberta, doesn’t expect project to be built soon — if ever Patricia Jones PNA Contributing Writer
Most international airports in the North America have luxury hotels and dining facilities nearby, ready to receive and pamper harried travelers passing through.
While it’s no Marriott or Hyatt Regency, the Airport Chalet in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, serves as a practical respite for travelers, be they passing through the community’s airport across the street or driving through on the Alaska Highway.
In recent years, Whitehorse businesses have benefited from European travelers passing through that airport, part of extended visits to the Far North.
But the community now is in need of another economic stimuli, according to Airport Chalet manager Mitch Malchow.
“The city is about at a stand-still,” he said. “There’s not too much happening.”
That’s one reason why he and others in Whitehorse are in favor of construction of a natural gas pipeline stretching from Alaska’s North Slope southeast to existing gas infrastructure in northern Alberta, tracking the Alaska Highway.
“Everybody would benefit if it came straight down the highway,” Malchow said. “I know local politicians are trying to do something in that way for incentives, trying to get it to come this way.”
That’s despite a “Green” coalition in the community that might be offended by the large-scale development, he said.
“Oh yeah, it’s something that would make everybody happier,” he said.
Lower cost heating Lower heating costs would probably be the biggest benefit, Malchow said. He was unsure as to whether access to natural gas could help lower electric power costs in Whitehorse.
“It should be cheaper than oil. We’re always going to pay too much for heating oil and propane. …If they bring it down the highway, it will be more economical.”
But he doesn’t expect any kind of gas pipeline development anytime soon.
“There’s so many political people ranting at each other, ‘Do it this way or else.’ Saying it’s too expensive to do,” Malchow said. “It’s something I don’t think will happen, personally.”
Oil companies, government regulators and community groups have too much “red tape” to cut through to make such a project happen. So he’s not anticipating an increase in highway or airport overnight guests stemming from the proposed development project.
“I think it will be years away, if it happens at all,” Malchow said. “I’m not too excited yet.”
| 