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LOWERING IN: Using sideboom tractors, a section of the North Montney pipeline is lifted and lowered into the ground in Northeast B.C. Read more on Page 6. Surerus Murphy Photo
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APRIL 18, 2019
To be held at the LAKEPOINT GOLF COURSE The event will be limited to 192 entries (12 Flights). All entries must be mailed with entry fee to: Fort St John Oilmen’s Golf Tournament c/o P.O. Box 6122, Fort St John, BC, V1J 4H6.
ENTRY FEE: Regular: $300.00 Wednesday: REGISTRATION between 4pm and 7pm Thursday:
HORSE RACE AFTER GOLF AT LAKEPOINT GC
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Fort St John Oilmen’s Breakfast: Each Morning - Lakepoint Clubhouse Golf Tournament Guaranteed 45 Holes: Match Play and Best Ball Entry Inquiries and Cancellations: Trevor Gould (250) 261-8399
DONATIONS : JACK WILSON (250) 261-3747 VISIT http://fsjpetroleumassociation.com FOR MORE DETAILS
APRIL 18, 2019
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The towers at North River Midstream. | Chuck Fowler Photo
If forestry had a twenty-year tree
I
f tomorrow morning you woke up and the headlines rea,d “University of Victoria develops a tree ready to harvest in 20 years,” you would most certainly sit up in your chair, you may even spit out your morning coffee if such a revolution was thrusted upon you so early in the morning. A 20-year tree would revolutionize the industry and change the very core of the business. It’s easy to wrap your head around and conceptualize what it would do: we would be farming trees like cutting grass and it would forever alter the state of the industry. A 20-year tree is to forestry as shale gas is right now to oil and gas — and it really is that disruptive to the oil and gas space. Since its inception, the
oil and gas industry has been a driving force in the Peace Region’s economy. In recent years, the industry has seen unprecedented change, not seen since the transition from the flip phone to the smartphone in your pocket right now. Shale gas production in the Montney, a product of horizontal drilling and multi-staged fracing, has changed the industry. We now have the ability to develop wells at significantly lower costs relative to the production of the vertical wells in the past, getting three to five times more production. No time in the history of the oil and gas have we had the capability to get a molecule of energy out of the ground and to the consumer with such efficiency. The industry has more of a
mass production mindset with large-scale plants and multi-well pads, in stark contrast to single well leases and small infield gas processing of the past vertical well days. It’s imperative we take a moment and really let the importance of this transformation sink in. These changes to well processes ripple outward, changing the way oilfield service firms do business with the producer. Many of the product and service offering of the vertical days are not needed or needed in
limited supply. Take the 400 -barrel tank for instance; a staple of the surface rental business used to contain fluids for various drilling, completion and production activities. Many businesses got their start with the infamous 400-barrel, but it’s been replaced in the completions phase with larger containments to accommodate the volumes of fluid need for multistage fracing. Inversely, the highly sought-after condensate has bought on business opportunities in facility construction and fluid hauling, with a scale we haven’t seen before. These are just some examples of an industry adjusting to a new highvolume reality. It’s a whole new world and this is just the beginning with the pace of innovation
picking up momentum, striving to become even more efficient. As I said, I believe we need to take a step back and really recognize the past decade was transformational to the industry. It has both positive and negative effects to our region; new business opportunities will crop up and new challenges will present themselves. Forestry may not have a 20-year tree, however, for the foreseeable future the Montney shale is here to stay and is going to switch gears in the wake of LNG. Hold on to your hats, we are going to make a 10-year tree. Chuck Fowler is a Fort St. John resident and employee of Peace Country Filtration.
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• PIPELINE NEWS NORTH APRIL 18, 2019
PNN MISSION STaTeMeNT Pipeline News North provides current, interesting, and relevant news and information about the oil and gas industry in Northeast B.C. and Northwest Alberta. Have an interesting story to share or a news lead? Email us at editor@ahnfsj.ca.
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James Malaka 10, helps himself to some orange confections at the Kubota Douglas Lake equipment booth this month at the Fort St. John trade show. Rob Brown Photo
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Macro posts strong 2018 results MaTT PRePROST Shares in Fort St. John’s Macro Enterprises have climbed nearly 50% year-over-year, as work continues on a number of key pipeline and facility projects in Northern B.C. The pipeline company reported net earnings of $8.9 million, or 30 cents per share, on revenues of $191 million for 2018. That’s up from a loss of $3.4 million, or 11 cents per share, in 2017. Macro was buoyed by a strong fourth quarter, which brought a 511% increase in revenue, most of it from pipeline and facilities construction, and maintenance work. Revenues are forecast to exceed $300 million in 2019, as work continues on the North Montney Mainline and the Groundbirch Compressor Station, and begins on the Coastal GasLink pipeline, the company said. “The Company expects significant activity levels to continue in 2019 and beyond as a result of its joint venture activity with Spiecapag Canada Corp. and the Company’s focus on its blue chip pipeline owners and operators with their construction and maintenance programs across Canada,” the company reported with its year-end results on March 21.
Macro shares opened at $3.51 the day after the results’ release, up more than dollar from the same time last year. Macro will build a 166-kilometre section of the Coastal GasLink project in a joint venture with Spiecapag Canada Corp. The contract is currently estimated at more than $900 million, with a 40-60 split between Macro and Spiecapag. Construction is underway, and inservice date is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2021. The company continues to plan for its section of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, and wait for a start date to begin construction from the federal government. The work is estimated at $375 million, though the company is not forecasting any revenues from the project in 2019. “The Company remains very active bidding and estimating costs on projects for its larger clients and anticipates a general increase in both construction and core maintenance work in 2019,” it said. Meanwhile, the company reported that it has now exceeded 22 quarters and 4.2-million man hours worked without a lost time injury. — Pipeline News North
APRIL 18, 2019
South Peace Oilmen news The South Peace Oilmens Association met April 10 for their monthly meeting. They donated $500 to the Dawson Creek Judo Association, who are sending athletes to the national judo championship in Edmonton from May 15 to 22. They donated $500 to Spring Bingo hosted by the Bonanza Ag
Society and Bonanza Ag Society on May 10. They also donated $3,000 towards medical fees for members of the community. The Oilmen are busy preparing for Lobsterfest 2019 at the Encana Events Centre on May 11. As of the meeting, 300 tickets have been distributed.
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Fort St. John Oilmen news Matt preprost Nominations are still needed for the annual Ivor Miller and Oilman of the Year awards. The Oilman of the Year Award is awarded to a person who has displayed exceptional dedication and service to the oil and gas industry. This award is open to regular members only. The Ivor Miller Award is awarded to a person who has displayed
exceptional dedication and service to the Fort St. John Petroleum Association. This award is open to both associate and regular members. Nominees must have a biography submitted on their behalf with a letter explaining why they should be nominated. Nominations can be emailed to FSJPAMembership@gmail.com.
Rob brown This 41st edition of the Grande Prairie Petroleum Association Oilmen’s curling bonspiel April 3 to 6 went very well and has been deemed a success, according to bonspiel chair Ray Mildenberger. “We had 40 teams looking for a spot on top of the pack in each of the 6 events,” he reports, noting in the end, only six rinks could be crowned kings. The winning rinks were “A” Event - Greatwest Kenworth, “B” Event - Nalco
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GPPA bonspiel a hit, clay shoot next Champion – Jones, “C” Event Velvet Energy, “D” Event - HSE Integrated, “E” Event - Quinn Well Control, and “F” Event - Withers LP. “Many thanks to the Grande Prairie Curling Centre for being our host and thanks to the high quality of entertainers we enjoyed during the event and we are looking forward to 2020’s edition. The GPPA annual clay shoot goes May 4 at the Wapiti Shooters Club, Grande Prairie. — Pipeline News North
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• PIPELINE NEWS NORTH APRIL 18, 2019
A look at the North Montney
With much of the pipeline routed through forested Crown land, there was a requirement to bring on board a clearing contractor. Paul Paquette & Sons were appointed to undertake this work. On average, the ROW was approx. 37m wide and this contractor were able to achieve an advance rate of over 400m per day with their crews. Surerus Murphy Photo
The pipes are welded together into a continuous string above ground to minimize entry to excavations. Surerus Murphy Photo
The pipeline ditch is excavated using a mix of excavators and ditching wheels, dependent on the ground conditions. Surerus Murphy Photo
The pipe ends are prepared using a rotation end prep machine. This machine cleans up the pipe ends and prepares them to a prescribed profile in preparation for welding. Surerus Murphy Photo
Following confirmation that the weld has passed its NDE, a MCL coating is applied to the weld area to protect the steel pipe from corrosion. Surerus Murphy Photo
APRIL 18, 2019
PIPELINE NEWS NORTH •
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North Pine Fractionator expansion near FSJ a cornerstone of the plan…
Ridley Island project is ready to go rob brown The Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal will be fully operational this spring. AltaGas says propane will be operational this quarter, with propane leaving the terminal later this year. Expansion of the North Pine Fractionator near Fort St. John will feed propane into the Ridley Island project, which AltaGas has called a cornerstone asset. “With our RIPET project coming online, as scheduled in early spring, as the first propane export terminal in Western Canada, we are poised to execute on our strategy to leverage this unique capability to attract new producer commitments,” said Randy Crawford in the company’s annual report. “At the same time, I see ample opportunity in our Utilities to renew and extend our distribution pipelines and drive higher returns through operational efficiencies, superior customer service and accelerated
The Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal. | AltaGas Photo
rate recovery mechanisms.” He says the cornerstone of this strategy is RIPET, located near Prince Rupert. RIPET leverages AltaGas’
existing gathering, processing and fractionation work and the facility is scheduled to commence its operational phase in the first
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quarter of 2019, and the first cargo is expected to depart Canada’s west coast in the second quarter of 2019. Also coming into service in 2019 are the Townsend 2B Facility and Nig Creek Gas Plant. These projects will attract additional natural gas liquids to AltaGas’ system, increase utilization of AltaGas’ existing liquids pipelines, and drive the need for an expansion of the North Pine Fractionator. Construction is underway on the Ridley Island Propane Export Terminal Project, which has been designed to ship up to 1.2 million tonnes of propane per year. Propane from British Columbia and Alberta natural gas producers will be transported to the facility using the existing CN rail network. It is estimated the terminal will offload approximately 50 to 60 rail cars per day and deliver by marine transport approximately 20 to 30 cargos of propane per year to market. — Pipeline News North
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• PIPELINE NEWS NORTH APRIL 18, 2019
THE RUNDOWN
Peace Region Petroleum Show Tuesday, May 14 8:00 AM & 2:00 PM Exhibitor golf day 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Exhibitor setup wednesday, May 15 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Trade Show 12:00 - 4:30 PM Hospitality Lounges 5:00 - 7:00 PM Exhibitor Meet and Greet Thursday, May 16 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Trade Show 12:00 - 4:30 PM Hospitality Lounges
TOM PURa
Full steam ahead for Petroleum Show ROB BROwN It is the biggest show in northern Canada and for organizers, it is now a combination of letting the ship sail on its own, and full steam ahead. “Full steam ahead really is the best way to describe it,” says Tom Pura with the GP and District Chamber
of Commerce. “We have waiting lists now starting up and there has been tremendous support and response,” he says noting more than 300 exhibitors are registered to attend. “We are finalizing sponsorship and getting people dialed into the golf
day as well.” Pura says the show is really about building relationships every second year. “It is about getting together and partnering with people. The Grande Prairie Oilmen really underline and bring authenticity and validation
to the show,” he says. “Between them, exhibitors, and sponsors, everyone has really stepped up to make this another great show.” The Peace Region Petroleum Show goes May 15 to 16. — Pipeline News North
Black Gold has Grande ambitions DILLON GIaNCOLa At a time of relative downturn in the oil industry, one company is finding a way to consistently expand and improve. Black Gold Fishing Services, a downhole fishing and rental tool company based out of Cold Lake, has expanded each year since it opened in 2015. On May 1, the company will open a service location in Grande Prairie, its fourth, to go along with locations in Cold Lake, Lloydminster, and Swift Current. “We do quite a bit of work around Fox Creek and Whitecourt. Grande Prairie is a central location
for us to be able to maintain that work, and eventually expand into B.C.,” said Black Gold President Tim Ulfsten. Ulfsten had decades of experience in his specialized field, and decided to open his own company four years ago. There are now 37 people working with Black Gold, providing providing open & cased hole fishing services, casing repair, and tool construction and design. To go along with the expansion, Black Gold will be attending the Peace Region Petroleum Show, May 15 and 16 in Grande Prairie, for the first time, in an effort to get to know the people and companies
in the area further. Ulfsten said there’s a healthy demand for the services his company offers, and expects the demand to continue to grow. “Everyone’s had ups and downs through the downturn, but we’re one of the companies growing and expanding and that shows a strong layout for us,” said Ulfsten. The company will also be attending the oil industry trade shows in Bonnyville and Weyburn, Saskatchewan this year. Black Gold Fishing has recently opened up a partnership with Kingfisher Wireline and Pipe Recovery Services. — Pipeline News North
Black Gold drill collars
APRIL 18, 2019
PIPELINE NEWS NORTH •
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More than 300 this year
energy exhibitors ready for the Peace Petroleum Show ROB BROwN Every two years, those in the business of petroleum — the movers and shakers, influencers and decision makers — gear up for the Peace Region Petroleum Show, and the 2019 incarnation of the event goes May 15-16 at Evergreen Park in Grande Prairie. Learn about new tech, products, service, solutions and more. Come in face to face contact with others looking to improve efficiencies of their business, learn new revenue streams, or lower their operating costs. Operating companies in the oil, gas and energy sectors, either directly related or tertiary, say they are ready for the show. Wave Engineering President Travis Jensen says the show is a reminder for those in the business and as well as those looking for more information. “From our standpoint, we’re working on electric control engineer for brownfield, or greenfield designs. From our point of view, the brand
recognition is a great event.” Incorporated in 2013, Wave saw a chance to create a company that included both leading-edge ideas and the best industry practices. Wave offers electrical, lighting, and controls engineering services to utility, government and private sector clients across western Canada. While some companies are newer to either Western Canada and/or oil and gas scene, this is not the case for Vector Communications, who have been in the industry for more than 27 years. Vector was established in 1991 with the goal of becoming the leading supplier of wireless
communication solutions in the Northwest Alberta region. “We provide wireless communications; cellular phones, data devices, two-way radios, satellite phones and GPS products. This includes sales, service, rentals, installations and removals of all equipment,” says Steve Cassell with Vector. With their history, pairing up with another proven partner with the Peace Region Petroleum Show is a fit. “Being in the show make sense.” Spartan Controls territory manager Luke Kaliel says the crew often debates between an indoor
and outdoor booth every second year of the show. “We contemplate going bigger each time. The show is about name recognition and being with others in the oil and gas fields,” he says. Spartan Controls is a provider of industrial automation, valves, measurement and process control technology and solutions in Western Canada. For more than 55 years, Spartan has provided customers with automation solutions, industry expertise, lifecycle support, and technical training. More than 300 indoor and outdoor booths are available at this biennial trade show. Meet the people and learn more about the latest products, services and technology from the oil and gas industry. For all inquiries, please contact the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, online at grandeprairiechamber.com or by phone at 780-532-5340. The Peace Region Petroleum Show goes May 15 to 16. — Pipeline News North
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APRIL 18, 2019
Peace Region Petroleum Show
From A to Z, Abacus has the data you need austin cozicar Mapping and data. That’s the key to Abacus Datagraphics’ business. They’re just one of hundreds of exhibitors coming from all over Alberta and afar to the bi-annual Peace Region Petroleum Show in Grande Prairie on May 15 and 16. “The main product that we showcase at the oil and gas show up there is our AbaData mapping program, which features just a ton of different energy industry and land and environment information that’s used by numerous different industries,” says Ted Davis, in
sales and support with Abacus Datagraphics. Abadata is used by a wide range of people — oil and gas companies, surveying companies, line locating companies, land and environment companies, forestry to name a few. “Really anybody who is interested in knowing how the land is used, and what sort of activity is taking place, would be using our program,” Davis says. “It’s fairly unique in just the sheer amount of information that is on it; so it’s not just oil and gas, it’s utilities, it’s tons of different datasets, and then I guess the thing that really
probably makes it so successful is just how easy it is to use.” The program covers B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The Petroleum Show gives the Red Deer-based company a good chance for some face time in the north. “For us, it’s twofold. We have a lot of existing clients up there, and then it’s just kind of nice to touch base with them, because we don’t get up there very often. It’s just a good opportunity for us to meet the people that are using the program already,” Davis explains “Of course, we’re also looking at
some people there that may not use it, may not be aware of it, but we’re hoping just to reach out too, and make some contacts.” Davis says the fact that the show goes every two years instead of annually makes it a must-attend event for exhibitors. “We find it’s a pretty busy show,” he shares. “I guess you don’t have that sort of fatigue of a show that if it’s every year, people sort of get a little complacent, but with every two years it seems like people come out pretty good for it.” — Pipeline News North
Kenney takes power in Alberta
Threat to cut off B.C.’s oil and gas may be bluster, but what if it isn’t? nelson bennet Alberta has swung back to its natural conservative position, leaving British Columbia isolated as the only left-of-centre province from Alberta to New Brunswick. Jason Kenney’s United Conservative Party swept Rachel Notley’s NDP government out of office Tuesday, April 16, winning a large majority of 62 seats to the NDP’s 25. And unless the John Horgan government blinks on the Trans Mountain pipeline issue, B.C. could be in for a world of hurt, according to one political observer. A win for Kenney potentially sets the stage for political war. Kenney has vowed to literally set up a $30 million “war room” dedicated to fighting the enemies of Alberta’s energy sector (i.e. environmentalists), cut off funding to the Pembina Institute, and immediately proclaim Bill 12, which he has threatened to use to cut off or at least reduce the flow of oil and-or refined fuels (gasoline and diesel) to B.C. In his acceptance speech, Kenney directed a warning to B.C. based environmental groups, and their “foreign” backers that have led campaigns against pipelines. “I have a message to those foreign-funded special interests who have been leading a campaign of economic sabotage against this great province. To the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, to the Tides Foundation, to Leadnow, to the David Suzuki Foundation, and to all of the others, your days of pushing around Albertans with impunity just ended.” “We will launch a public inquiry into the foreign source of funds behind the campaign to landlock Alberta’ energy.” Kenney will likely also be going to war with Ottawa, since Trans Mountain is a federally regulated pipeline, and the Trudeau government might have something to say about any attempts to dictate what moves on it, although there is now a chance that the Trudeau government itself could be swept away under a blue wave, come October.
Relations between B.C. and Alberta were bad enough even when there were two NDP governments in power in the two westernmost provinces. Last year, in response to the Horgan government’s attempts to restrict the flow of diluted bitumen the Trans Mountain pipeline – should it ever move forward with an expansion – outgoing Premier Rachel Notley hit back with boycott of B.C. wines, and passage of a new law, Bill, 12, that she threatened to use to reduce B.C.’s supply of refined fuels. “That was an appetizer,” said Dan McTeague, a petroleum analyst who served 14 years as a Liberal MP under the Chretien and Marin governments. “Alberta means business. It has no choice. Its back is against the wall, and it’s prepared to strike back, finally. He (Kenney) has a mandate from the people. It’s very clear where he plans to go on this.” University of BC political science professor Richard Johnston said the anger expressed by Albertans in electing the UCP to government was more directed at Justin Trudeau than Notley. The Trudeau government has introduced a host of new bills and laws -- from a moratorium on oil
tankers on the west coast to a new environmental act that could make it even more difficult to get pipelines built -- that Albertans view as a threat to their economy. Kenney has vowed that his first act as premier will be to proclaim Bill 12, which he would use against B.C., should it continue to obstruct the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline. B.C. Attorney General David Eby has said that, as soon as Bill 12 is proclaimed, his government will be ready to resubmit a court challenge to it. Johnston thinks Kenney’s threat to cut B.C. off of its oil and gas is a lot of bluster. “Surely he knows that Bill 12 is unconstitutional,” Johnston said. “I just don’t see any way that that could survive a court challenge.” An analysis of Bill 12 by Denton’s Canada LLP, however, concluded “charges of Bill 12’s unconstitutionality appear to be premature.” It might well be, if it specifically targeted B.C. But the Dentons analysis points out that Bill 12 doesn’t target B.C. specifically, and therefore might well withstand a constitutional challenge. “Rather, Bill 12 would likely result in supply consequences for a range of provinces, including those in Eastern Canada,” the Dentons brief states. Lower Mainlanders are already paying the highest gasoline prices in North America. B.C. depends on Alberta for most of its oil and refined fuel products. Even the small amount of refined fuels it gets from Washington state is somewhat reliant on the flow of oil from Alberta to Washington via the Trans Mountain and Puget Sound pipelines. Even a minor tinkering with the composition of the products flowing on the Trans Mountain pipeline could have some pretty dramatic impacts on gasoline prices, McTeague said.He points to California, which saw a massive spike in gasoline prices, of about US$0.75 per gallon, after refineries reduced output by just 5%. “Trans Mountain doesn’t have to completely shut down all of the gasoline that goes through. It only has to disrupt a portion of that and Vancouver would be in serious trouble.”
APRIL 18, 2019
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Encana, United Way lend helping hand to Art Gallery renos austin cozicar Volunteers from Encana and United Way Northern BC were busy April 10 helping those at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery renovate the bintop studio at the top of the gallery. About 15 Encana employees — a mix of locals and a few having flown in from Calgary to help — were on site, cleaning up the studio, taking loads of storage from the Bintop up and down the stairs — three truckloads reportedly — before applying coats of white paint on the formerly blue walls of the studio. “It would take us weeks to do it [ourselves], trying to do something like this off the side of our desk is almost impossible,” said Gallery Executive Director Marsha Stewart. “Our volunteers and society members already do so much for us, so it’s nice to have the partnership with a big corporation like Encana and United Way in order to be able to get a big job like this done.” Encana was brought into help as part of the United Way “Day of Caring” program, which lets corporate partners volunteer with non-profits
Encana’s Chuck Regier flew in from Calgary to help out. Austin Cozicar Photo
in a big way. Encana has supported the Gallery financially, providing grants that help go towards their education programs and exhibitions. “Without that sort of corporate sponsorship, we wouldn’t be able to offer the variety of programs that we do,” Stewart said. But this day was about getting their hands dirty, and lending a hand to a big job. “Everybody’s chipping in,” said
Brian Lieverse, community relations advisor for Encana, picking up a paintbrush himself. “The idea’s to come out help a group that we do support financially throughout the year, but today’s all about putting our hands on shovels and paintbrushes and doing some work here. “If organizations like this had to hire somebody to do the work that we had done, it would cost them a lot of money. A lot of these organizations run on very minimal
budgets, so by having an opportunity to come and help out, it’s great to give back to the community.” Encana and United Way weren’t the only ones to help out. Paint was donated by Co-op through their Communities in Full Colour grant, Lake View Credit Union donated $5,000 of funds from their Community Social Responsibility Fund program towards the renovation to name a few. While there’s still work to be done, including shelving — they’re re-opening the space after Easter — the difference was immense, as coats of fresh paint went on the walls. “We cleaned out years and years of storage and some supplies that we weren’t ever using anymore, made lots of space for new supplies and they just worked hard all day long,” said Stewart. Some of those supplies that are no longer being used will be part of a yard sale that will be held in May by the Gallery. “That saying that many hands make light work — that was actually proven today,” said Stewart. — Pipeline News North
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APRIL 18, 2019
Energy and us
Industry is more than grunting, snorting machines — it’s real people too
F
or many years, the Regional District Board and municipal governments in the Northeast have agonized over the proliferation of work camps and what we were pleased to call, for lack of another appropriate descriptive, the transient workers who live in our hotels, boarding houses, and apartments and send their pay cheques home. It’s a present way of life in our Northeast. Located in the hinterland and in close proximity to the municipalities, work camps do place additional burdens on the local governments without an apparent commensurate return in taxes to these governments. (municipalities and the regional district are not permitted to tax industries located outside municipal boundaries.) Facing the reality of additional policing costs, service costs, and increased pressure on the infrastructure, local governments have no recourse but to do their best. This, of course is not the whole story. The Peace River Agreement (PRA) each year provides millions of dollars in lieu of taxes to municipal and regional district governments to help fund the additional costs in community upkeep and services attributed to the industrial activity outside municipal boundaries. Without this long-term agreement in place (to 2035), maintaining our present level of services to our residents without the PRA would not be possible. Therefore, local governments must be vigilant to ensure that our friends in Victoria do not succumb to real and ongoing pressures to claw back the PRA. The rest of the story includes, among other benefits to the region, the revenues accruing to the service industries who supply beds, roofs, food, fuel, haircuts, security, equipment, and other recurring needs of the workers and their employers – all that plus many opportunities for resident workers to find well-paying, rewarding employment while sleeping at home. Actually, it is a fair exchange, with
benefits for all. Indeed, you good folk in Victoria, Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, White Rock, Fraser Valley, Whistler, and all other places that pride themselves on being the “real, bona fide” British Columbia, and who have little knowledge of or interest in the massive bulk of British Columbia beyond your immediate vision, please keep on sending us your skilled unemployed, your men, and your women. We need you; believe it or not as you choose, you need us even more. The trickle-down funding of your private needs and public purses will keep on trickling down as long as your sons and daughters continue to send their pay cheques home, as long as you, in your righteous indignation, don’t vote the resource industries out of existence to your own hurt (it’s greener here than you have thought). And let me remind you: the spin-off revenue from industry underwrites the cost of our pensions, hospitals, schools, roads, bridges, and all other public services. Industry is more than grunting, snorting machines, muddy holes in the ground, pipes that snake through valleys, under rivers and over mountains, bright lights at night, and 24/7 bumper-tobumper heavy traffic on highways and industrial roads, all of which changes mightily the tranquil way of life we used to think would go on til death do us under. When my wife and I finally settled down and built our home on Jackfish Road more than forty years ago, we did not imagine the changes we would be experiencing today. How could we have imagined the
OVER THE COUNTER — Paula Stoelwinder, manager at Tribal Traders, helps a customer out at their brand new location in the Dawson Creek Mall. Tribal Traders supports the industry by donating a proceeds of sales to oil and gas charities. There are only 8 opportunities to have your business staff featured in ‘Over the Counter’ – email editor@dcdn.ca to book today! Pipeline News North is circulated to businesses and residents north of Fort Nelson, south of Grande Prairie, everywhere in between, and we are growing each issue! | Rob Brown Photo
changes? We’re not prophets. Industry is people like you and me; we eat, we drink, we marry, we die. But until that day, every load of pipe, every load of components for the transmission line towers (the line is going to carry energy south to power your tooth brushes, lawn mowers, transit buses, and cellphones), every load of fracking sand, every load of supplies, groceries, or heavy equipment has one of your sons or daughters guiding it securely over narrow roads to the work sites. These real human beings are people; they find their many ways to the job sites from as far away as Halifax and Vancouver Island and most places between. If they could find suitable employment at home, adequate to provide for their families, no doubt they’d be at home most nights dandling their toddlers or proudly attending the father-daughter social at the local high school. (Then what would we do for workers, and what would you do for energy?) About 60 kilometres up the Jackfish
Road between Chetwynd and the Peace River is the Surerus-Murphy work camp housing hundreds of pipeline workers busily placing 42-inch-diameter pipe across the terrain and under the beds of the Pine, Moberly, and Peace Rivers. A 500kv hydro transmission line now under construction intersects the gas pipeline a short distance from the work camp and hundreds of gas wells are in production or being developed right next door to the camp. Imagine the activity in the area! Try Google-Earthing the area between the Pine, Moberly, and Peace Rivers. Count the well sites if you can. That said, I will take to heart the words of an ancient seer: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Merlin Nichols is a former mayor of the District of Chetwynd, and a published author.
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Oilmen’s Hockey
Jiffy Lube wins, Lanny takes to the ice Dillon giancola Team Jiffy Lube won the 2019 Oilmen’s Hockey Tournament in its first year as a team sponsor, thanks to an outstanding effort by goalie and Jiffy Lube owner Mike Hamre. In a terrific Petroleum Club Final on April 6, Jiffy Lube came back from a 3-1 first-period deficit against Peace Country Royals to win 5-4 in a shootout. Jiffy Lube scored to tie the game on a last second penalty shot, and Brandon Beck put his team up for good in the shootout. “We won something in our inaugural season, something (the Vegas Golden Knights) couldn’t do,” Hamre joked, playing in his 10th Oilmen’s Hockey Tournament. Defenceman Kelsey Vonk, playing for the second time, won his second-straight Petroleum Club Final, after winning the 2018 tournament with Cabre Oilfield. “It was great to come back from being down 3-1, the guys showed a lot of heart. (Hamre) stood on his head and that’s why we won. It was just a phenomenal tournament to be a part of,” said Vonk. In the other final games, Tom’s Construction beat Complete Pumpjack Services 7-6 in the Jiffy Lube Game (B event), D & D beat Fort Motors 9-6 in the Baker Hughes Game, and Magnum Oilfield Rental beat Ditmarsia Holdings 5-4. Cabre beat Northen Vac Services 8-4 in a battle of lastplace teams. Jiffy Lube shut out D & D Insulators 7-0 in their first game of the tournament, making Hamre just the second goalie in the 16year history of the tournament to record a shutout. For organizer Lee Hartman, it
Team Jiffy Lube after winning the 2019 Oilmen’s Hockey Tournament Petroleum Club Game 5-4 on April 6, 2019. Back, from left: Dale Merwin, Brandon Beck, Wade Banks, Brad Campbell Kelsey Vonk, Jesse MacDuff, Adam Pearce. Front, from left: Rob Fuhrman, John Fisher, Mike Hamre, Shane Brooks. Dillon Giancola Photo
was another solid tournament that prioritized fun and camaraderie above all else, but saw some close games on the final day. “It’s all about the sportsmanship and it couldn’t have gone any better,” Hartman said.
“You absolutely have to play, no sense in only the young guys having fun,” McDonald said. “It’s been absolutely awesome.” McDonald is very fond of the Peace Region in general and in the guys who put the tournament on
and take part each year. “I love being up here. The guys really treat you well, and really have a lot of fun,” he said. McDonald is based out of Calgary, but lives in Toronto three months out of the year where he is the Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, a position he’s had for four years. “If you love hockey and the history of the game, it’s a great job to have,” McDonald said. McDonald loves following the game, and cheering on his grandsons. He thinks the period he played in — the 70’s and 80’s — was the finest era, but loves the current version of the game and said it’s too different to compare. “The league and ownership groups have been unbelievable in coming together to see the growth both on the men’s and women’s side, and to see the diversity of players playing this great game is awesome,” McDonald said. — Pipeline News North
Lanny returns In his sixth year as special guest, Lanny McDonald, and his friend and former teammate Collin Patterson, didn’t disappoint. “Having Lanny back was awesome, he’s always a gentleman. He’s spectacular with the fans who watch him and the guys in the dressing room. Patterson was fantastic as well,” said Hartman. He was going to give McDonald, 66, a chance to play only three or four games. Instead, McDonald and Patterson each played eight games despite only being around from Wednesday night to Friday morning.
Lanny McDonald shares some words during the Oilmen’s Hockey banquet at the Fort St. John Curling Club on April 4, 2019. Dave Lueneberg Photo
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Study money
Industry a key supporter of NLC students The Northern Lights College Foundation handed out more than $90,000 in scholarships and awards to students at its five campuses in Northeast B.C. on April 11, including $36,000 each in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek. Industry is key supporter of the Foundation. Here are some highlights of just some of the awards that were handed out. Photos courtesy of Northern Lights College. — Pipeline News North
Wendy Maldonado receives the Canbriam Energy HCA & SSWD Award from Shawna-Marie Phillips, NLC Foundation Board Member. Maldonado also received the BC Hydro Award.
Jonathon Zimmer receives the BC Oil & Gas Commission Award from Sara Dickinson, Vice President, Strategic Engagement at BC Oil and Gas Commission. ZImmer also received the Canbriam Energy University Arts & Sciences Award.
Tiffany Mearow receives the Heritage North Consulting Ltd. - Jimmy Fields Memorial Award from James Walde, Heritage North Consulting Ltd. Mearow also received the BC Oil & Gas Commission Indigenous Education University Arts and Sciences Scholarship.
Brandon Kowalski receives the Suncor Energy Foundation Award from Tracey Wolsey, Director Indigenous & Community Relations, Suncor. Kowalski also received the Canbriam Energy Trades Award.
Reisha Kronlachner receives the Storm Resources Oil & Gas Field Operations Scholarship (Aboriginal) from David Christie, Director of Aboriginal Education at NLC. Kronlachner also received the Canbriam Energy Oil & Gas Field Operations Award (Aboriginal) and the Suncor Energy Foundation Award (Aboriginal).
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Alexis Glenn receives the Teck Resources Award from Steve Roe, Dean, Academics and Vocational Studies, Northern Lights College. Glenn also received the Petro Canada Scholarship.
Jerico Iglesias receives the TransCDA Bursary from Robert McAleney, Director, BC Centre of Training Excellence in Oil and Gas.
Tanner Willier receives the Golder Indigenous Student Award for Archaeology from Hayley Vickers-Redhead, Archaeologist at Golder Associates Limited.
Victoria Adams receives the Swanberg Family Applied Business Technology Award from Ann Swayer, Swanberg family.
Scotty White receives the Storm Resources Oil & Gas Field Operations Scholarship from Robert McAleney, Director, BC Centre of Training Excellence in Oil and Gas.
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