Teslin highway facility wants development

Seventh in series: Former Alberta oil patch worker sees opportunity for expansion of remote motel complex with construction of Alaska Highway gas pipeline

Patricia Jones

PNA Contributing Writer

Dan Hutchinson came north from Alberta’s oil patch to this tiny community along the Alaska Highway a little more than two years ago.

In addition to doing some odd jobs for a buddy, Hutchinson was in search of a quiet place to live. “It’s too busy down there,” he said.

Now, he’s the winter manager for his friend’s highway complex, the Yukon Motel, Teslin, Yukon Territory. “The only thing I haven’t had to do is to work the chambermaid’s job,” he said.

From his position at the cashier’s desk, Hutchinson has viewed extensive loads of oil and gas exploration equipment being hauled north during the fall months. He was told by one trucking crew that a new drill rig was going up to the Beaufort Sea. “I know they’re doing exploration, but they’re not doing it in the Yukon,” he said.

Mostly the truckers stop for fuel and a bite to eat, not much of an economic impact. But should a natural gas pipeline be built along the Alaska Highway — the business would boom, Hutchinson predicted.

In fact, the owner of the Yukon Motel has already discussed adding on to facilities to accommodate the anticipated influx of business, Hutchinson said.

“It would happen right now — I know for a fact,” he said. “Pipeline bosses don’t stay in camps, so we would consider putting up new rooms.”

In addition to 10 guestrooms, the facility currently offers a full-service restaurant, fuel sales and a liquor store. Summer months also include operation of a RV park and a wildlife gallery and gift shop.

Construction of a natural gas pipeline through the remote and mostly undeveloped Yukon Territory would also allow the business to convert to cheaper and cleaner fuel for heating and power generation.

Currently, diesel and propane fuels are used in Teslin. A 20-pound propane tank costs about $17.50 to fill, while a 100 pound bottle runs about $82.

While he advocates construction of a gas pipeline, Hutchinson said such a project could receive some opposition from local Native groups.

“What they seem to think is that it will chase the moose away,” he said.

And unresolved land settlements with Native groups could muddy up the financial picture, he added. “They all want a big piece of the pie.”