| The simple life for shadow residents |
| Tuesday, 21 October 2008 18:15 |
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Gail Jansen The Pipeline Though the housing need in Fort McMurray is a large priority for both the Regional Municipality and the Province of Alberta, it is interesting to note that in contrast to previous years, a large part of the Municipality’s growth can be attributed to what’s known as the area’s shadow population; those who are not a part of the permanent residential make-up of the community, but rather live in rural work camps, campgrounds and hotel accommodations for up to a minimum of 30 days. A population base that makes up for 65% per cent of Fort McMurray’s population. “The boost in the number of residents living in work camps, campgrounds and hotels may be explained by a number of factors, including the high ownership and rental costs now associated with Fort McMurray’s local housing market, as well as the continued construction and promotion of industry built project accommodations that are both affordable and close to work,” said Gary Gordon, Supervisor of the RM’s Long Range Planning and Policy. With campground and hotels perpetually filled to capacity long-term, working in an industry built work camp seems to be for many, the ideal solution. “I did a 36 day stint at a camp and it wasn't all that bad,” says one such worker, who wished to remain anonymous. “There was satellite, and internet and although you shared a room with a guy, he worked the opposite shift, so you slept alone. Food was always available and it wasn't bad, it was just repetitive.” “The money is good,” he continued, “because you’re too far away to go and spend it.” Having also had the experience of living off camp at a local motel, he said that having to be responsible for his own housing, food and transportation, even with the tax-free allowances provided by his employer, it simply wasn’t worth it. “It’s all about your own preferences, but if I were to go back to the rigs again, I'd go to a camp. Life is just so much simpler for me there.” |
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