Work is already underway on the temporary work camp that represents the largest Canadian community ever supplied by Calgary-based Atco, which has provided housing for the Alberta oilpatch and other projects.
Atco is working with the Gordon First Nation and two other native bands on the project, which will feature two-storey modular homes, a dining hall and a recreation centre. First Nation members will be given job training and priority hiring, according to both Atco and BHP Billiton.
The Atco community features high-end amenities including pre-engineered buildings, including a 20,000-square-foot sports complex with gymnasium, squash courts, weight room and a raised running track that overlooks the gym. A second building will house a 200-seat movie theatre.
The core building includes a 1,200-person dining room, a separate private dining area, lounge, library, convenience store, medical centre and full laundry. Each suite will include a flat-screen TV, phone and wireless Internet capabilities. The first phase, comprising 500 rooms, will be operational in October 2012 with completion of the full 2,586-room camp and facilities scheduled for mid-2013, according to Atco.
Chris Ryder, a spokesman for BHP Billiton, said the community is another sign that the $12 billion "world class" Jansen mine is moving forward. "The camp is a very good sign; the fact that we've sunk two shafts almost 30 metres so far is also a very good sign," he said.
from Western Investor April 2012
