Sucker Creek opens new gas utility

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Sucker Creek's gas utility had its grand opening, Nov. 6, with a dedication that featured a buffalo steak dinner.

While the start-up of the gas utility is an important occasion to residents of the reserve, what seemed to appeal most to guests and visitors was the buffalo meat ? raised right at Sucker Creek.

The system that will serve over 100 reserve residences was completed between Aug. 24 and early November at a cost of some $800,000.

Sucker Creek Chief Jim Badger said the band contributed $140,000 from its new housing and renovations fund. Badger added that he hoped residents, especially the older ones, who may have to wait for new housing or repairs, would agree with the band council's sense of priority in re-allocation the funds to bring the gas service to band members.

The Sucker Creek gas utility is to be supplied from the Prairie River Gas Co-op Ltd. It will be operated through an agreement with the Town of High Prairie until band personnel can be trained to take over.

Pam and Allan Woods of 303 Alberta Ltd., the prime contractors for the distribution system, said the company put in a aluminum high pressure supply line and 32 km of low pressure plastic lines between July 15 and Sept. 1, using a crew of up to 15 ? of which about half were local to Sucker Creek.

Conversions to propane gas services at reserve residences were carried out under the supervision of sub-contractors Tom Hubler Plumbing and Gas Fitting of Faust and Bob Hills Plumbing and Heating Ltd. of Falher.

Crew foreman Roderick Willier (who's fast becoming known as "the gas man," according to Chief Badger) said a crew of four band members changed furnaces and in-house services.

(Courtesy of The MIRROR ? Northern Report)